tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73913276695075313682024-03-12T16:08:49.229-07:00DaywardEeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-44896248852658539592011-11-03T15:35:00.000-07:002011-11-03T15:35:12.685-07:00Lunch @ Bunnyconnellan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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J surprised me last weekend with a lunch booking at Bunnyconnellans, in Myrtleville, Cork.</div>
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I love surprises, especially when they come complete with a scenic drive, food and beautiful views!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVp8afXmKSg2RiKHrQPGZkmsdhRzM1gaCyodZX8hwzk9dWBj0KGjC8rzMcEmsudmuwzG-QM_NAQEOCG2Vp9RK-ewcyn6_wulXG_eOCm45wGm3Iql1mBFqisUOdMMx_kx0GhF-GojmoJvY/s1600/bunnyconnellans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVp8afXmKSg2RiKHrQPGZkmsdhRzM1gaCyodZX8hwzk9dWBj0KGjC8rzMcEmsudmuwzG-QM_NAQEOCG2Vp9RK-ewcyn6_wulXG_eOCm45wGm3Iql1mBFqisUOdMMx_kx0GhF-GojmoJvY/s400/bunnyconnellans.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunnyconnellans - pic from their <a href="http://www.bunnyconnellan.ie/">website</a></td></tr>
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It was a bit overcast while we were there, but the view from our table was still amazing:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pZFwbnQUtwmM17t9XgC0wj5TJKwY9ALDbYGHfaMN-1JjdqFoz14wqXssurOGWklBRCmRkcwGTvoMDl9hdIlfDlqOZ0dh1NhHHcOitOwAJ_DrSro9NT-HDy9e1RZJQflN_NruD3WNF88/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pZFwbnQUtwmM17t9XgC0wj5TJKwY9ALDbYGHfaMN-1JjdqFoz14wqXssurOGWklBRCmRkcwGTvoMDl9hdIlfDlqOZ0dh1NhHHcOitOwAJ_DrSro9NT-HDy9e1RZJQflN_NruD3WNF88/s320/035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The food (below) was good - but it came out 5 minutes after we had ordered, which seemed a bit too quick..(microwaved?)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCznErGRjNgyTnN76JxkoStWUyLT1w34fP4wwQfl9MqptMCwRaz-r089-crwNaX6hKEDCrd2RokzdAJ8xscyPbK2yLhhV8VeITaBPRvUXXBf-_VRRRROLpD1id5aVn7QnQ552h_FUmkE8/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCznErGRjNgyTnN76JxkoStWUyLT1w34fP4wwQfl9MqptMCwRaz-r089-crwNaX6hKEDCrd2RokzdAJ8xscyPbK2yLhhV8VeITaBPRvUXXBf-_VRRRROLpD1id5aVn7QnQ552h_FUmkE8/s320/036.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spinach and ricotta pasta</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3ef6_am0fMXc1qXPXk70AXtI8On5mudExKpApgaFiiP1hAxqhiueaNczPI-GtIvdexwfv4NULPQ1PH6dhazaUg7e3C2V_gzYH7uErnJDYq_3PSiUTxRyW4BeKJy1Zgv8X2ikspmoMSM/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3ef6_am0fMXc1qXPXk70AXtI8On5mudExKpApgaFiiP1hAxqhiueaNczPI-GtIvdexwfv4NULPQ1PH6dhazaUg7e3C2V_gzYH7uErnJDYq_3PSiUTxRyW4BeKJy1Zgv8X2ikspmoMSM/s320/039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aww!</td></tr>
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This little cottage was in the parking lot. It's probably just their storage shed or bin room, but it looked so cute I had to photograph it:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihENObfIBdOTOt6p4zA8MEOPKI7qeu4KQYrJvGneB69v1RwpUSu3iB6TFinfXHcxKcdnUpPkQUbiC8mN9ExA330phOFfASs-_qs0VBdulk60turRh6YAUki2yAFSSzS_J8Yj65z-a3YZc/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihENObfIBdOTOt6p4zA8MEOPKI7qeu4KQYrJvGneB69v1RwpUSu3iB6TFinfXHcxKcdnUpPkQUbiC8mN9ExA330phOFfASs-_qs0VBdulk60turRh6YAUki2yAFSSzS_J8Yj65z-a3YZc/s320/046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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And one last shot of the views to finish off :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLWVAySUS2apDADphq5qnVJ4YkWhLJVsAeuCSGydlRJ4QJzoUPHVVyLzLguJSLQ6pz-Hv0GiRjH9EeoI0r0vOOJiUpPtQ5QCAB7bZfv6R1MOIpam22pPg_8TCjUWu5Ty5bi8ebtg6sIc/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLWVAySUS2apDADphq5qnVJ4YkWhLJVsAeuCSGydlRJ4QJzoUPHVVyLzLguJSLQ6pz-Hv0GiRjH9EeoI0r0vOOJiUpPtQ5QCAB7bZfv6R1MOIpam22pPg_8TCjUWu5Ty5bi8ebtg6sIc/s320/049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-18942744285443721282011-10-25T15:15:00.000-07:002011-10-25T15:15:20.534-07:00Cake Wrecks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been in stitches the past couple of hours from reading <a href="http://cakewrecks.com/">CakeWrecks.com</a><br />
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I stumbled across it while looking up wedding cakes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yM12ABioAT-othb5LpI7EWY4H4w_muQv40bssfjSUdP8w2o57vqIKoSzx0XNfMjC5w6crW5QTvRlYqKwp34pGdIna_6r_kXtpgWqMOgKY7bpIrNtnhDvfCaTG6mczfiHYh815RHvUYA/s1600/cakewreck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yM12ABioAT-othb5LpI7EWY4H4w_muQv40bssfjSUdP8w2o57vqIKoSzx0XNfMjC5w6crW5QTvRlYqKwp34pGdIna_6r_kXtpgWqMOgKY7bpIrNtnhDvfCaTG6mczfiHYh815RHvUYA/s320/cakewreck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCrlBw47gikP5EmSh82TtZ7PXRwUBU2ruID-jsdnp-hzRj4uNQHWM5RfvCC_xif-bux4WVJvX_UcOyp28IejeZlXZnZqs9jgToBGuVVJ9LyzygLkBgAfGSw5yGrmMxOKUzeapgZdrSK4/s1600/cakewreck2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCrlBw47gikP5EmSh82TtZ7PXRwUBU2ruID-jsdnp-hzRj4uNQHWM5RfvCC_xif-bux4WVJvX_UcOyp28IejeZlXZnZqs9jgToBGuVVJ9LyzygLkBgAfGSw5yGrmMxOKUzeapgZdrSK4/s320/cakewreck2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2dFkXJ9lZB2Z9uKdNHFINW5QhVzvdAJFO-J_tKpZnVjYrQp_kV_YuMd0IYRALl5UqqVN8ykFJvsFH6_dI66O8MSYoH1xDam2GbGyCgeJUEWF38SJkZl0JzLOeR8IrelLHiJVyrB9NLA/s1600/cakewreck3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2dFkXJ9lZB2Z9uKdNHFINW5QhVzvdAJFO-J_tKpZnVjYrQp_kV_YuMd0IYRALl5UqqVN8ykFJvsFH6_dI66O8MSYoH1xDam2GbGyCgeJUEWF38SJkZl0JzLOeR8IrelLHiJVyrB9NLA/s320/cakewreck3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All from <a href="http://cakewrecks.com/">Cakewrecks.com</a></td></tr>
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The commentary that goes along with the 'wrecks' is just hilarious. Love it!<br />
<br /></div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-16387001603525500642011-10-24T10:48:00.000-07:002011-10-24T10:48:44.635-07:00Venue: booked!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">...well, provisionally booked at least.<br />
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After the <a href="http://dayward.blogspot.com/2011/10/wedding-venue-dilemma.html">wedding venue dilemma</a> post, we went back to Waterford Castle to attend their wedding fair.<br />
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It was good to see the castle again - it was pouring rain outside, and the castle still managed to look fantastic. The interior was lovely too, and we got to see the presidential (bridal) suite, which we missed out on last visit. This suite is HUGE - I could definitely imagine myself getting ready for the wedding there.<br />
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If you remember from my previous post, the biggest concern we had with Waterford Castle was the bar being in a separate room. Seeing this bar room again only highlighted how big of an issue it was for us - the room is quite big, and full of comfortable chairs and sofas.. I could definitely imagine half the guests opting to sit in there for the night instead of the main reception room - and splitting the wedding guests is NOT what I want to happen on the night.<br />
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But - After a quick chat with the wedding coordinator - the problem was solved! for a small fee (approx 300 Euro) they will set up a temporary bar in the conservatory connecting to the main reception room. This means we will have to chop our guest list by 20 to make space for the bar, but that will only reduce the costs further, which is great.<br />
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So, based on that, we ended up (provisionally) booking what seems to be the perfect venue!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlsqZMH4zzht_5TFDN08sLTqBbpCqao-qhMGLo4L_3RWiQqI8OSt43gm4Jfknrd7YBGcieFY05F8V8GyegNB-lwS8YQVg71CkaQheBYlv31H7FtoYVJFwsBm7V9V9PGXgpA-lnY8m1Fo/s1600/waterford_castle_wedding3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlsqZMH4zzht_5TFDN08sLTqBbpCqao-qhMGLo4L_3RWiQqI8OSt43gm4Jfknrd7YBGcieFY05F8V8GyegNB-lwS8YQVg71CkaQheBYlv31H7FtoYVJFwsBm7V9V9PGXgpA-lnY8m1Fo/s1600/waterford_castle_wedding3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Castle - it's on its own island. Guests will need to catch a short ferry across.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34MxeZaCM8ozmXobS6xRlRMPc7EhfSDaMczbGesfQEfPT8UvGIO-S7HWB9C0KCcsOVAHhI7UpDFXuj4sR9MzLC7p_GTLx6_0ttkRhZvoAgfLHx1xy3bPA6g6jWvizoE8kdjy9cE4hKaw/s1600/waterford_castle_wedding2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34MxeZaCM8ozmXobS6xRlRMPc7EhfSDaMczbGesfQEfPT8UvGIO-S7HWB9C0KCcsOVAHhI7UpDFXuj4sR9MzLC7p_GTLx6_0ttkRhZvoAgfLHx1xy3bPA6g6jWvizoE8kdjy9cE4hKaw/s400/waterford_castle_wedding2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterford Castle Entrance hall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRhWSQliqI9LiSANGLS4HbBfEOUO_SeeQiTMla5pVD8jvxzV17PtqpQfQohDwBk3WEeFhydfJd9TMAnRDiFTMlGGJ8AHOr6x-Eww1te_JpBsfhRXwpRKfB4jd8rCNdqMPzOuNhDB2JCU/s1600/waterford_castle_wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRhWSQliqI9LiSANGLS4HbBfEOUO_SeeQiTMla5pVD8jvxzV17PtqpQfQohDwBk3WEeFhydfJd9TMAnRDiFTMlGGJ8AHOr6x-Eww1te_JpBsfhRXwpRKfB4jd8rCNdqMPzOuNhDB2JCU/s400/waterford_castle_wedding.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reception/Dining room</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-67933761930507794822011-10-18T15:43:00.000-07:002011-10-18T15:43:36.696-07:00Wedding venue dilemma<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Wow, it's been a while..things have been absolutely hectic here for the past couple of months. But enough excuses, time for a new post.<br />
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Besides a few other major issues going on, hunting for a wedding venue has taken up quite a bit of our weekends. Originally we had decided that the end of October was our deadline to book a place, but this has now been extended to the end of November, because we are no closer to deciding!<br />
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No venue we have looked at so far has been perfect - they each have their pros and cons. The two front runners are:<br />
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<b>Waterford Castle</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nq0WaR80KdCiLlTKpQpKFY0lFviVbrKH457Gkx_Z0UjxIyF9mTVwn_CsRADqh4HbtxJBuCJvQKpN_o6gMi6F9_fk9pf5Z8vn12AYcY0GZ0D4JJprqkBuRI_onPX4fFQJ7IcAGwOgUBQ/s1600/waterford_castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nq0WaR80KdCiLlTKpQpKFY0lFviVbrKH457Gkx_Z0UjxIyF9mTVwn_CsRADqh4HbtxJBuCJvQKpN_o6gMi6F9_fk9pf5Z8vn12AYcY0GZ0D4JJprqkBuRI_onPX4fFQJ7IcAGwOgUBQ/s1600/waterford_castle.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dooleyvacations.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>This castle is beautiful, it's on its own island with ferry to bring guests across. The castle has been very well maintained to a 4 star hotel status without losing its 'castley' charm. There's a lovely dining room for dinner with a connecting conservatory. There's 19 rooms in the castle, plus lodges on the island giving more than enough accommodation for guests.<br />
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Hesitations: The bar is in a separate room to the dining/reception room - I'm worried that this will split the guests. Also, we would have to ensure all rooms in the castle were taken for the night of the wedding - however the castle rooms are twice as expensive as the lodges (and the lodges are of VERY good quality), so we're worried the guests will all choose the lodges, leaving us to foot the bill for the castle!<br />
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<b>Castle Leslie</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBMVTHll3KkN2HBN6n-f_wRD8CTwpriZGALEBYePbw3ngv8ExyHEKemF3VA9QO244KeRzqtkAnA_cB0lo_z3tx2QggcuNYAVyTUB5KOftDN78TG93duw3hxtJnMrOIOtQebd8ci8lEyY/s1600/Castle-Leslie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBMVTHll3KkN2HBN6n-f_wRD8CTwpriZGALEBYePbw3ngv8ExyHEKemF3VA9QO244KeRzqtkAnA_cB0lo_z3tx2QggcuNYAVyTUB5KOftDN78TG93duw3hxtJnMrOIOtQebd8ci8lEyY/s1600/Castle-Leslie.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thegoodguys.ie/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Again another beautiful venue. The grounds are amazing, and the castle rooms are unique (shower in a life sized doll house anyone?). While the house doesn't look like a 'fairytale' castle, the inside has been well maintained - and has beautiful views of the lake.<br />
<br />
Hesitations: The castle is amazing - but the reception for our numbers would be out in a 'semi-permanent' marquee attached to the castle! If we go with a castle venue, I'd prefer to have the reception within the actual castle..<br />
<br />
Two other potentials we're hoping to fit in viewings of sometime over the next few weekends:<br />
<br />
<b>Kinnitty Castle</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcDUFpK9vrHVH23n5ekGTl_YRBeACYDICpS1nvCNyImNaHvsESfJ7hjYnuChxTQsYAzxMGq5_P6BgYa1hahz52DFjQxNztde9l52KpW_an5OCL_YOzKj8LVF_w_slT7fyNNqAAFqpdDc/s1600/kinnitty-castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcDUFpK9vrHVH23n5ekGTl_YRBeACYDICpS1nvCNyImNaHvsESfJ7hjYnuChxTQsYAzxMGq5_P6BgYa1hahz52DFjQxNztde9l52KpW_an5OCL_YOzKj8LVF_w_slT7fyNNqAAFqpdDc/s1600/kinnitty-castle.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/theres-a-ghost-in-my-house-1208543.html">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
A traditional 'haunted' castle - they have great wedding packages, but I'm unsure about the reception room - the photos seem a bit dark.<br />
<br />
<b>Village at Lyons</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AktmhBxREaruhQotYokLobUhTLpMZUCEUaOgKQEP3vgmlwkYMhWP8HR3aArGm7marI47883L0v5piIkbL_CapptAERtkVdkVI3tmS46p5HXrzKpa8LMI3O7MPLn8RWbJKm1TIgJ8-xc/s1600/village-at-lyons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AktmhBxREaruhQotYokLobUhTLpMZUCEUaOgKQEP3vgmlwkYMhWP8HR3aArGm7marI47883L0v5piIkbL_CapptAERtkVdkVI3tmS46p5HXrzKpa8LMI3O7MPLn8RWbJKm1TIgJ8-xc/s320/village-at-lyons.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.villageatlyons.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This venue is a bit different in that it's not a castle - but the photos look amazing, so I'd like to check it out. I am worried though as the reception room is split level with the bar being on the top floor (see Waterford Castle hesitation).<br />
<br />
So - that's where we are with selecting a venue. I didn't expect it to be so difficult! We've been searching for almost three months now...did anyone else find it difficult to select a venue?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-1051266854069212302011-08-14T13:07:00.001-07:002011-08-14T13:07:46.514-07:00Engagement ring cleaning at home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My engagement ring needed a clean, so I read through <a href="http://forums.vogue.com.au/showthread.php?t=370669">this vogue forum thread</a> to see how other girls look after their rings at home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First up - a close up of my dirty diamond - see all the specks!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWLzV22CJDNWdXwIZjzEFsWtiCZK_dhlyZqSn2mkSj8oFGsKAIl3KJh_sw8eo1XpBGzSS6GcyJer4_qRKzR1rop3DWt23LIY1Wle60aNJFhR_TV5eiS2iZXs0ZGcxr68vGsOZwS5NoQ4/s1600/dirty_diamond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWLzV22CJDNWdXwIZjzEFsWtiCZK_dhlyZqSn2mkSj8oFGsKAIl3KJh_sw8eo1XpBGzSS6GcyJer4_qRKzR1rop3DWt23LIY1Wle60aNJFhR_TV5eiS2iZXs0ZGcxr68vGsOZwS5NoQ4/s320/dirty_diamond.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I soaked it in a little tub of detergent and warm water for about 15 mins:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Rj9fQyOuyETobijJro2yB-UoRQnVQAwHIHMBZx-H5bhvKrjp8F5OKReYcXW7Oc5bbAyykCx4nLQ-e9TZuBlii5UaFGWsr6NErh8il4hxTOT4cV68TK8Aevvh-gKETcEHOHZozyGrR8I/s1600/diamond_wash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Rj9fQyOuyETobijJro2yB-UoRQnVQAwHIHMBZx-H5bhvKrjp8F5OKReYcXW7Oc5bbAyykCx4nLQ-e9TZuBlii5UaFGWsr6NErh8il4hxTOT4cV68TK8Aevvh-gKETcEHOHZozyGrR8I/s320/diamond_wash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then scrubbed it with a soft toothbrush, rinsed it in cold water (after putting the plug in the sink first!), then poured a little vodka over the diamond.. (apparently this gets rid of any left over soap residue??)<br />
<br />
Finally, I dried it using a hairdryer.<br />
<br />
The result:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No more specks!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaGXn47XP68pBUqyHQJHu3pg9KB89tgLJCx-TEXXYa1dqmg_ML6rriVMH98qTQU7uDgqf3daBCzFc37imfKGM_9Bm_9lsF86jgFBGgQk1DCrUbLl_OKCC_YE_61KfVkSTMu2_hNPt1KI/s1600/clean_diamond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaGXn47XP68pBUqyHQJHu3pg9KB89tgLJCx-TEXXYa1dqmg_ML6rriVMH98qTQU7uDgqf3daBCzFc37imfKGM_9Bm_9lsF86jgFBGgQk1DCrUbLl_OKCC_YE_61KfVkSTMu2_hNPt1KI/s320/clean_diamond.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And extra sparkle!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6TVw2uo_71Qq1YuzxApTPd5EN6pv4FItva4_KmdBjEYJrHCyhAMmf9Z-WjFrgvSVqyw1mx501jp-vjcYZTyiNuB2YXWYLU7DKzeBX_eI6D-PtUUc4zjoZnwaKusKMZS8qaed6yRT_tE/s1600/sparkle_diamond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6TVw2uo_71Qq1YuzxApTPd5EN6pv4FItva4_KmdBjEYJrHCyhAMmf9Z-WjFrgvSVqyw1mx501jp-vjcYZTyiNuB2YXWYLU7DKzeBX_eI6D-PtUUc4zjoZnwaKusKMZS8qaed6yRT_tE/s320/sparkle_diamond.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm not too sure how often I should be cleaning it.. I'm worried about dislodging the small diamonds down the side. I'm also not too convinced about using vodka - I can think of better uses for alcohol!<br />
<br />
</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-90030785969250910552011-08-08T15:45:00.000-07:002011-08-08T15:45:21.708-07:00Wedding Crest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I'd love to have a wedding crest to use across all our wedding stationary. <div><br />
</div><div>I'm planning to design it myself - at the moment I have this:</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRcYKp1qQsMuCLZzHRhH2Nadg7IaMjGxAC0I364QIJxyJRN_nXfyVeBr5d3OJ2OGMmMQWf5xOl2gX4EjKDHAuGO_f5Yr08ehg_kZAxPoMoFaZey8s-vlbIetPl_hlbxxNSEK3qk_k3ZA/s1600/shield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRcYKp1qQsMuCLZzHRhH2Nadg7IaMjGxAC0I364QIJxyJRN_nXfyVeBr5d3OJ2OGMmMQWf5xOl2gX4EjKDHAuGO_f5Yr08ehg_kZAxPoMoFaZey8s-vlbIetPl_hlbxxNSEK3qk_k3ZA/s1600/shield.jpg" /></a></div><div>Luckily both J and my surnames begin with F, making the design easier to work with (and I'll be taking on J's surname anyway).</div><div><br />
</div><div>I think it's a bit too simple at the moment, definitely needs a lot more work.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Some beautiful wedding crests I've come across:</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfd4eIvI5mmHlQnMofvzmtN6yMHfK7mhXVXDQkucxMDRGN7Y7bCNCMnMtKPFc3ec3Sy4hzt9rbb7tS3V4ef9W4MioSwU9xzOdkn2qObp7Ar-y__uvKFYkFec1guogRqhJ_XxV1ecGs-ZE/s320/2010WeddingCrests-11-321x324.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="317" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crest from <a href="http://emilyleypaper.com/collections/wedding-crests/wedding-crest-no-11/">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mb2V9lBrMFwW_8sNL0Qpj04F4g-bAd1uVDo_MO5x_oAeyCsXCyk7LmiygtsEJdUIViRnT9BUA2ELIfN11HXSM61DMhsFtHzE7Bmoocy-YwaTCWwaHXIntAaNHlcYjoPTqYSxxUeiga0/s1600/Whetstine_crest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mb2V9lBrMFwW_8sNL0Qpj04F4g-bAd1uVDo_MO5x_oAeyCsXCyk7LmiygtsEJdUIViRnT9BUA2ELIfN11HXSM61DMhsFtHzE7Bmoocy-YwaTCWwaHXIntAaNHlcYjoPTqYSxxUeiga0/s320/Whetstine_crest.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crest from <a href="http://onebluebird.blogspot.com/2010/01/illustrations-for-big-day.html">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDEcNCoM2UXIXr7p5OT23CxR204nQaEpxfxXleC0uJak4ODg03NlhLAO2nSdCMaGkheeouDkWvF3HP3CZI05IVcItKfsOehvmQaCR0TihtQVWRfc8u6kcL4P89afHGgHwqW-Zsrc0JxY/s1600/crest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDEcNCoM2UXIXr7p5OT23CxR204nQaEpxfxXleC0uJak4ODg03NlhLAO2nSdCMaGkheeouDkWvF3HP3CZI05IVcItKfsOehvmQaCR0TihtQVWRfc8u6kcL4P89afHGgHwqW-Zsrc0JxY/s320/crest.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crest from <a href="http://theatricalweddings.blogspot.com/2010/05/unique-and-personalised-wedding-crests.html">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjef3WJejhutzNy_FHnb3ZAoJWrWD2ixQmiaa0uizUA5lz0Hq7X6EVrevSpruGloJX42ptZYWAJ1GuhTDe4rgS8r4lkesE9-HKCsKT-iqnawC_0HIfij_B1c_i0mFUuIOouhv_rYuaPVbY/s1600/tan_black_square_crest_invite_invitation-p1617257003199668662dzjr_350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjef3WJejhutzNy_FHnb3ZAoJWrWD2ixQmiaa0uizUA5lz0Hq7X6EVrevSpruGloJX42ptZYWAJ1GuhTDe4rgS8r4lkesE9-HKCsKT-iqnawC_0HIfij_B1c_i0mFUuIOouhv_rYuaPVbY/s320/tan_black_square_crest_invite_invitation-p1617257003199668662dzjr_350.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crest from <a href="http://www.vintageweddinginvitations.info/id/161725700319966866/tan-amp-black-square-crest-invite.php">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div></div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-58650612292106197422011-08-08T15:19:00.000-07:002011-08-08T15:19:20.762-07:00Let the planning begin...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We've decided that we'll get married in the Irish summer, 2013 and that we'll have roughly 120 guests.<br />
<br />
That's about all we've decided on so far. <br />
<br />
I'm determined to be an organised bride-to-be, so I went out and bought myself a wedding planner:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjrBoEc4muNqFzA1u8Q2SYyzprB8vBbeucOZO4fQJddMAbhXORsstuuSrQfz2QHZUkk5BA5gmJqMKnrfghma4VXSFsZEpsVB7vkHLfCstFfoh6aYIDZ06iNtUYkINiS-PHpR403dSiCU/s1600/planner1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjrBoEc4muNqFzA1u8Q2SYyzprB8vBbeucOZO4fQJddMAbhXORsstuuSrQfz2QHZUkk5BA5gmJqMKnrfghma4VXSFsZEpsVB7vkHLfCstFfoh6aYIDZ06iNtUYkINiS-PHpR403dSiCU/s400/planner1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
I chose it because it's a binder, so I can easily add plastic sleeves and paper under the relevant tabs:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5iLuLm0szMSEVhgsnCYuCEDCKzMlR08h0T7qH1BGYgNifIPzbdpyG6uq7LBJqfGj6XUE2K9MRtObnbzJ3-SGBnN_dbmgwvrKmTxZQWWb9DnFkIJVwA2VgMl_wlhOoKLqm_ksC-CqXHY/s1600/planner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5iLuLm0szMSEVhgsnCYuCEDCKzMlR08h0T7qH1BGYgNifIPzbdpyG6uq7LBJqfGj6XUE2K9MRtObnbzJ3-SGBnN_dbmgwvrKmTxZQWWb9DnFkIJVwA2VgMl_wlhOoKLqm_ksC-CqXHY/s400/planner2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The only downside is that the planner is HUGE, and kinda heavy - and that's before I even start filling it with paper, plans and pictures.<br />
<br />
I'm also worried people will think I'm a bridezilla if I lug this folder around with me, so I also purchased some simple notebooks to bring around with me to meet vendors.<br />
<br />
As half the guests will be coming from Australia, we wanted to give as much notice as possible in regards to the wedding date - so we started looking at venues last weekend.<br />
<br />
I thought I was super-organised, looking at venues 2 years before the wedding... turns out, the venue we looked at over the weekend was already booked out the first 2 weekends in June, and the first week in July 2013 - crazy!<br />
<br />
This has gotten me a little stressed, so I'm eager to see a few more venues as soon as possible, so I can book in a June/July date before they're all taken! (so much for not being a bridezilla...)<br />
<br />
</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-83273014742219841742011-07-28T11:25:00.000-07:002011-07-28T11:25:30.092-07:00Medical themed party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Now things are starting to settle down a bit from our engagement announcement, I can catch up on some much delayed posts.<br />
<br />
While back in Sydney a few weeks ago, I got to see some decorations put together for my mums medical themed party for her 60th birthday (I previously posted about designing some <a href="http://dayward.blogspot.com/2011/06/prescription.html">prescription invitations</a> for the party).<br />
<br />
There was medical signs such as this posted up around the house:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7X4xt2NTbkGnXQ-iTwSsCo3bFD23rpBOOpK9lPsHYOvfdNChrtxfmb2IbhuSl9kODcVvPoo4vc6Xnk0uZLltygdcVZnmI2d4ToNqEEZ7dKo7_DcBA5RlecoGobTS64MbLe5nMBMFQric/s1600/medical_decoration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7X4xt2NTbkGnXQ-iTwSsCo3bFD23rpBOOpK9lPsHYOvfdNChrtxfmb2IbhuSl9kODcVvPoo4vc6Xnk0uZLltygdcVZnmI2d4ToNqEEZ7dKo7_DcBA5RlecoGobTS64MbLe5nMBMFQric/s400/medical_decoration.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
and my sister put together this eyesight chart:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAS7q1VsFCClcO9Bt24dJkwCxP6_NKYgmgJLynxTrzA0d_qGHN2jF-UWRQ4Hf06w7rIwn5DmRG17bkzHWqIrK9W0N7cg8e7tM0dpc2cs7uoln3XU4H_amHu2vZsr6lRRm_GDZd3EZN_I/s1600/eyesight_birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAS7q1VsFCClcO9Bt24dJkwCxP6_NKYgmgJLynxTrzA0d_qGHN2jF-UWRQ4Hf06w7rIwn5DmRG17bkzHWqIrK9W0N7cg8e7tM0dpc2cs7uoln3XU4H_amHu2vZsr6lRRm_GDZd3EZN_I/s400/eyesight_birthday.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
I'm embarrassed to admit I thought it was a normal eyesight test chart. It took me a while to actually figure out what it said!<br />
<br />
Guests to the party were invited to dress as either a doctor or a patient. Sounds like it was a fun night!</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-50507517746010588762011-07-26T11:43:00.000-07:002011-07-26T11:51:19.325-07:00Engaged!!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It's been a while since my last update - things have been quite hectic lately!<br />
<br />
The most important update is - <b>I'm engaged!!</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6-ws8_mGwLCeD_aN-3bx9tNoSLFpHVSSDmsjdPfcReSPbfz8r41NO1xsA_ft9bvcOYKRhOo8oenY3op2BapyZhD2Lzwi11WBK2kXJ_T_MNUxqezqY1z_KSbQP-HLvljcO8JlSD4vHQI/s1600/cliffs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6-ws8_mGwLCeD_aN-3bx9tNoSLFpHVSSDmsjdPfcReSPbfz8r41NO1xsA_ft9bvcOYKRhOo8oenY3op2BapyZhD2Lzwi11WBK2kXJ_T_MNUxqezqY1z_KSbQP-HLvljcO8JlSD4vHQI/s400/cliffs3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
J proposed last weekend at the Cliffs of Moher in county Clare.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpg4_ZkP95ikK9u81HtB8D9d8ErMoMF2WvNLAF_6wM0m1yO0_MpHLv-Xdiumv_tfWekj_YE45tT35zZ1xnHUFA6JwxhtQ3eP28vtX2d8AlqbBBQX67fofzGDxGCFJyIoaF3nzJZk2WUI/s1600/cliffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpg4_ZkP95ikK9u81HtB8D9d8ErMoMF2WvNLAF_6wM0m1yO0_MpHLv-Xdiumv_tfWekj_YE45tT35zZ1xnHUFA6JwxhtQ3eP28vtX2d8AlqbBBQX67fofzGDxGCFJyIoaF3nzJZk2WUI/s400/cliffs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliffs of Moher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>He told me we were driving from Dublin to visit his family for the night, only for us to end up at the cliffs!<br />
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J had packed a picnic of strawberries, raspberries and cream:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHle57iXv8U_4o3yD8A3N76O2eSd-P7Ufmm1OIRAOsklDveN8XnmvdAKB8mpbyPQ6DCyOWdXP9bpIvYJ-uP7NL_nzM-Ilrz0Wx7rQV3mQ3XKkwJBfq03h47jqdHso_7siaNWmkdJzITE4/s1600/picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHle57iXv8U_4o3yD8A3N76O2eSd-P7Ufmm1OIRAOsklDveN8XnmvdAKB8mpbyPQ6DCyOWdXP9bpIvYJ-uP7NL_nzM-Ilrz0Wx7rQV3mQ3XKkwJBfq03h47jqdHso_7siaNWmkdJzITE4/s400/picnic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After we had finished eating, I suggested we head off but J wanted to wait 'a few more minutes to enjoy the view' - what he was actually waiting for was for the crowds to go away! When there was a break in the tourists walking past us, J handed me a scroll to read while he got on one knee and proposed with my dream ring! I said 'yes' (of course) and there were a few tears - all happy ones!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvm-TTbRIbQej68pT9Ylt6maG4Rfm0v37Coen1RGq75gEsO7B4-PqgASEekDq7amZ3AewySoRE7nlB6sG63wuHQ-lNTl9pvWgwvk858Knyexnw15eljgxvsirXC_ybkRv2q_NBMuqWqo/s1600/Thering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvm-TTbRIbQej68pT9Ylt6maG4Rfm0v37Coen1RGq75gEsO7B4-PqgASEekDq7amZ3AewySoRE7nlB6sG63wuHQ-lNTl9pvWgwvk858Knyexnw15eljgxvsirXC_ybkRv2q_NBMuqWqo/s400/Thering.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOrMw0R6tCAuoBZ063lD2S5iDK45YV5dbCyVH1wTe5tuh_gVYfXA-MeJgmS-lm9-5i1MRln60vWT1HViOnZpQLVvUHjeRY0UUtdO70V8ztpykFW6t6Yz6DFhadVxtu0FLyLgdRLrDOoM/s1600/ring2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOrMw0R6tCAuoBZ063lD2S5iDK45YV5dbCyVH1wTe5tuh_gVYfXA-MeJgmS-lm9-5i1MRln60vWT1HViOnZpQLVvUHjeRY0UUtdO70V8ztpykFW6t6Yz6DFhadVxtu0FLyLgdRLrDOoM/s400/ring2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>The Ring</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">J and I had been looking at rings for a while, and earlier this year we found the most beautiful ring at Delphi Antiques in Dublin. Delphi also had the ring up on their website, so every few days I would jump on the website to see if it was still there. J was very busy with exams and work around this time, so I thought he would wait till things calmed down a little before buying the ring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As soon as I noticed the ring disappear off the jewellers website I called J over in a panic - he swore he didn't buy the ring, and that he would call the jewellers to see if it was really gone. The next day J said that he had spoken to the jewellers, and that someone had definitely put a deposit down on the ring and it was off the market.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That was three months ago, and during that time J had been suggesting we go ring shopping again and making other comments to put me off the trail. I honestly thought that the dream ring was gone and that when we had time again we would find something else. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because I knew J wanted to propose with a ring we had chosen together, I didn't suspect that he was going to propose that day at the cliffs - in fact, while we were sitting on the cliffs I was thinking "This would be the perfect time and place for a proposal - too bad he doesn't have a ring yet!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It turned out J had bought the ring the week after we had viewed it. He had kept it at the jewellers for 3 months, and hid it around the house for the last week before the proposal. Very sneaky! I didn't have a clue!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Engagement Weekend</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To top off the weekend, J booked a room at the Raddison in Galway. Because Galway was packed that weekend due to the Arts Festival, when we checked into the hotel, they put us in the penthouse suite!! (this was without knowing we had just gotten engaged!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCr-SAQWVXNOm4StDJpnQV_7nNzkUiPJ_FPdMalmm41OzJyGOntgR1gkAK4b9mLiiM_b2WkYIDd53Og016Psbq1VnqAdditNOERkOk5bADgA_FzqxSDGPy02fDJRFd76Uwm0PHQOYWqv4/s1600/hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCr-SAQWVXNOm4StDJpnQV_7nNzkUiPJ_FPdMalmm41OzJyGOntgR1gkAK4b9mLiiM_b2WkYIDd53Og016Psbq1VnqAdditNOERkOk5bADgA_FzqxSDGPy02fDJRFd76Uwm0PHQOYWqv4/s400/hotel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJ2n9J-_RzOOqrzTyUMIqtSM8FizHoE8ZLHv4w2a98NgURgPcPMChmZKr-cmgguJtT_4FrN1Uc3S64GeNqSntkG2coZw2Ngb9YUvRVmIibFttIrUApWI3swC3hgmIfwn7VIJkClpNngo/s1600/hotel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJ2n9J-_RzOOqrzTyUMIqtSM8FizHoE8ZLHv4w2a98NgURgPcPMChmZKr-cmgguJtT_4FrN1Uc3S64GeNqSntkG2coZw2Ngb9YUvRVmIibFttIrUApWI3swC3hgmIfwn7VIJkClpNngo/s400/hotel2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That afternoon we called J's family and told them the news, and waited for everyone to wake up in Sydney before calling to tell my family. My parents weren't surprised at all as J had called the day before to ask for my dad's blessing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, the weather for the weekend was gorgeous - sunny and warm. All in all, the perfect weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis5-xQgAmkOiGGCw6cXdd0OpgXcxh5Bl4bJI8jX_ZnUM5xXOJH3QJvOkM9W2eXginH-DGBscSaiSkuqSMlSeZhm_FZECWiHsjBZrX46expaoSqpD_kOaLtI4ieA_h80OMMyYi80WJPRE/s1600/galway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis5-xQgAmkOiGGCw6cXdd0OpgXcxh5Bl4bJI8jX_ZnUM5xXOJH3QJvOkM9W2eXginH-DGBscSaiSkuqSMlSeZhm_FZECWiHsjBZrX46expaoSqpD_kOaLtI4ieA_h80OMMyYi80WJPRE/s400/galway.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-44739734444890330402011-07-11T07:43:00.000-07:002011-07-25T14:15:54.665-07:00Aussie Fashion Wish List - Black & Navy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Online shopping in Ireland can be expensive.<br />
<br />
When buying online from a supplier outside of the EU, on top of the price of the item, you can expect to pay:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;">1) Customs Duty. - Customs duty is calculated by Customs on the TOTAL cost of the clothing. They add together the purchase price, + any insurance, + freight costs. On this total figure they charge Customs duties of 12%.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Duty on footwear depends on the material the footwear is made of. It's usually between 9% and 15%</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Customs duty does not usually apply to clothes or shoes under €150 total cost.</span></blockquote><blockquote> 2) V.A.T. - After adding the customs duty to the total cost of the clothing, they then add V.A.T.@ 21% on the after Customs duty figure.</blockquote><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(Quoted from <a href="http://www.clothing.ie/customs-duties-clothing-imports.html">clothing.ie</a>) </span></div><br />
These extra charges suck. And they can be expensive. Trust me - I found out the hard way through a revolveclothing order.<br />
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And so, I'm using my trip to Sydney to stock up on items from my favourite and sorely missed Aussie stores!<br />
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I've got a huge wish list, so I'll just post part 1 for now:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcI5Pi7HH8EUxgEGkttm9-EoyqP-AEeimIBzoibns07vCjf_eqX-7W4XmgQaekGmTeC7L55CsWogKuv_447MW_e0hbMom11pl6IY2y1sZRllvOhy5MNMwBvKJM0WGT4J2E-VP1I2OJ-U/s1600/black_navy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcI5Pi7HH8EUxgEGkttm9-EoyqP-AEeimIBzoibns07vCjf_eqX-7W4XmgQaekGmTeC7L55CsWogKuv_447MW_e0hbMom11pl6IY2y1sZRllvOhy5MNMwBvKJM0WGT4J2E-VP1I2OJ-U/s400/black_navy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australian Fashion Wish List</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<ul><li>Country Road - <a href="http://shop.countryroad.com.au/#%3Futm_source=countryroad.com.au&utm_medium=shoplink&utm_campaign=ShopLink%2B&page=/Shop/Womenswear/Apparel/Pants.htm&product=/Shop/Womenswear/Apparel/Pants/WPA888I056/Skinny-Stretch-Jegging.html">Skinny Stretch Jeggings</a> in Navy. I love the fit and quality of Country Road pants!</li>
<li>Portmans - <a href="http://www.portmans.com.au/asp/product_detail.asp?category=Accessories&line=724977&name=Navette%20Feature%20Beaded%20Trio%20Necklace">Navette Feature Beaded Trio Necklace</a>.</li>
<li>Witchery - <a href="http://www.witchery.com.au/fashion-tops/flutter-sleeve-scoop-neck-blouse/w1/i6115186_1001228/">Flutter Sleeved Scoop Neck Blouse</a>.</li>
<li>Wish - <a href="http://www.alibionline.com.au/alibi/products/Beau-Bandeau-Dress-by-WISH.html">Beau Bandeau Dress</a>. I try not to buy going out dresses in Dublin, just as there isn't a very wide selection, and I get worried there will be 10 other girls in the same dress in the same bar!</li>
<li>Diana Ferrari - <a href="http://www.dianaferrari.com.au/products.aspx?CatalogueID=72&pageID=120&mainID=111">Mercury Booties</a>. Diana Ferrari shoes are so comfortable.</li>
</ul><div>From the list above, I've already bought the Diana Ferrari shoes, and the Country Road jeggings. Both items are extremely comfortable to wear.</div><div><br />
Some more pics of the Diana Ferrari heels:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKw0YxEAqlz1iy07wMlU6igF56FyWowe4OUa0bT9QSlhOxlwijAnTeoxK4ye1DrZafgBbEs9-jsqXN7vD-qru45AbsyMBMNxW098uj493DrqHF-FlAJVPXaPOESOV1G33b8iaC-lGdbk/s1600/diana_ferrari_mercury_boots_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKw0YxEAqlz1iy07wMlU6igF56FyWowe4OUa0bT9QSlhOxlwijAnTeoxK4ye1DrZafgBbEs9-jsqXN7vD-qru45AbsyMBMNxW098uj493DrqHF-FlAJVPXaPOESOV1G33b8iaC-lGdbk/s320/diana_ferrari_mercury_boots_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view. Love the heels and the cut out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTwhHJplgH41fi3B77quKfDv4TTVadEQvKEnX8nciWmSSKIcH5z5EBvQBTZhpnh2wJIrOAC9xibWUHcuBSaqHEemIkJkzU7wT113KM7fXWM3Ma5lMBFV0MGOaLHlocncriDRSAiVYcoE/s1600/diana_ferrari_mercury_boots_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTwhHJplgH41fi3B77quKfDv4TTVadEQvKEnX8nciWmSSKIcH5z5EBvQBTZhpnh2wJIrOAC9xibWUHcuBSaqHEemIkJkzU7wT113KM7fXWM3Ma5lMBFV0MGOaLHlocncriDRSAiVYcoE/s320/diana_ferrari_mercury_boots_4.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bought them on sale. Score!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div>More Aussie wishlists to come soon!</div><div><br />
</div></div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-77645908700984142522011-07-11T06:49:00.000-07:002011-07-11T06:49:25.164-07:00Sydney Food Dates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlSCr6YpT_-A92Ix2cJED7Ua91AblKeETBF0eycnvnrnVV74tHu91cZ_tpCHIl-plCFSYUc42YKlMKthXCopiLsaRvroaiHxD96i9O9o2Hh4cIkAiihPumzwvUKlKHqnEyd_6Jz2B2Fk/s1600/food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlSCr6YpT_-A92Ix2cJED7Ua91AblKeETBF0eycnvnrnVV74tHu91cZ_tpCHIl-plCFSYUc42YKlMKthXCopiLsaRvroaiHxD96i9O9o2Hh4cIkAiihPumzwvUKlKHqnEyd_6Jz2B2Fk/s400/food.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It has been brilliant being back in Sydney!<br />
<br />
As you can see from the pic above, I've mostly been catching up with people via lunch/dinner/brunch/dessert dates.<br />
<br />
I think I will go back to Dublin 5 kgs heavier.<br />
<br />
On the plus side, the scales in my parents bathroom are broken, and tell me I'm 20kgs lighter than I really am. Great excuse to keep those lunch dates coming!!<br />
<br />
With the exception of the Max Brenner pic in the middle of the collage, I've mostly stuck to Asian meals since I've been home, because the quality of Asian food in Australia is 100x better (and cheaper) than what you can find in Dublin. If only the Irish would catch on to the concept of Yum Cha!Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-46639431932947472782011-07-08T06:56:00.000-07:002011-07-08T06:56:23.070-07:00Sydney!!After 30+ hrs of travelling, I've finally arrived in Sydney!!<br />
<br />
I'm here for a short break (just over a week), and am so excited to catch up with everyone here.<br />
<br />
I'm so jealous of people who can sleep on flights. I tried very hard to sleep on all three of my flights from Dublin - Sydney, and only managed a few hours. If only those seats reclined back a few more inches..!! (or..if only I could afford 1st class seats!)<br />
<br />
More posts about my trip to come, but for now I'm going to sleep!Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-91659009849993718672011-07-04T15:27:00.000-07:002011-07-04T15:27:26.058-07:00Summertime Festival @ Kildare Village<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After a weekend in Cork for a birthday, we decided to stop off in Kildare Village on the way back to Dublin on Sunday.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aAO6OsHfHmrXeu9I53_cixDG6WoUqzGmL-jBylKSkol_JTGCaAgUwckoqOwkdthxkXdWYpI-dZMowj7xzHxC-y50zMyQ6BkLxAyZaumMHOudAiS50-7y4jpjERqHJ0DJIhzxs8VtEJA/s1600/kildare5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aAO6OsHfHmrXeu9I53_cixDG6WoUqzGmL-jBylKSkol_JTGCaAgUwckoqOwkdthxkXdWYpI-dZMowj7xzHxC-y50zMyQ6BkLxAyZaumMHOudAiS50-7y4jpjERqHJ0DJIhzxs8VtEJA/s400/kildare5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Kildare village is an outlet mall which looks like a miniature Woodbury Commons. While it is very small, it's still a nice way to break up the Cork-Dublin drive.<br />
<br />
The summer sales were on when we visited, but I didn't buy any clothes - I had already bought a TopShop dress and two Jane Norman skirts back in Cork!<br />
<br />
Kildare Village was also holding their Summertime Festival. The festival seemed to be just a tent in the middle of the village selling food - but what food!! The cakes looked delicious, and there were huge lines for the hot food.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzAoVNJ9o3EitQDfgCVuDMS-mUOeRHQ3sB6Upkm9t5T1b5XahPsOX4mlEo4qODYBGkmVkXz1HeTYSWRp5QtIOKwPEHPx2zl_0ogj5WRdti8XEWG7xUUIbKIiSExtgBA5jh7gbJ1_Oxv4/s1600/kildare4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzAoVNJ9o3EitQDfgCVuDMS-mUOeRHQ3sB6Upkm9t5T1b5XahPsOX4mlEo4qODYBGkmVkXz1HeTYSWRp5QtIOKwPEHPx2zl_0ogj5WRdti8XEWG7xUUIbKIiSExtgBA5jh7gbJ1_Oxv4/s400/kildare4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAURf38iwwaBVE6IYiHXTFiMsTC6MN0vtaU19bm66KYvLkvFHHqg0tmXtGv-tW3LJAs4ymWtWDd3cwv7Ld5M8fHUrSEXRqr2iO4B5sEE8MtO-tXEBryqdDGnr_i_ippDMi4IDNLYbSzPQ/s1600/kildare1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAURf38iwwaBVE6IYiHXTFiMsTC6MN0vtaU19bm66KYvLkvFHHqg0tmXtGv-tW3LJAs4ymWtWDd3cwv7Ld5M8fHUrSEXRqr2iO4B5sEE8MtO-tXEBryqdDGnr_i_ippDMi4IDNLYbSzPQ/s400/kildare1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0kimViidBPL1ViiPTcHylCVjA0I8JF7KHjS6yp-dBBPLBSsiZI9ugdM4KbB6ros25hAanCLQbTOPnjlyp8Pa4n_mWnc0AYKO_ECEmMO7C1dhC1YVZJqzMgc3VUBV-_NN4OdmuSZ6ffY/s1600/kildare3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0kimViidBPL1ViiPTcHylCVjA0I8JF7KHjS6yp-dBBPLBSsiZI9ugdM4KbB6ros25hAanCLQbTOPnjlyp8Pa4n_mWnc0AYKO_ECEmMO7C1dhC1YVZJqzMgc3VUBV-_NN4OdmuSZ6ffY/s400/kildare3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I bought two cupcakes and some strawberries and cream for the drive home. Yum!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGbqloyfahKNRfFI5sFa1gK3KZl9ApyU2GtrBtt3pUHwprQ_8SLD9kRVGuccsgolKIUMpz8myyYgi54hD75a7tRTx4CXf7XKoqzfiuShdYnb-yESu6_lCJbgFcUM7e1nu8Fly8aNwsvQ/s1600/kildare2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGbqloyfahKNRfFI5sFa1gK3KZl9ApyU2GtrBtt3pUHwprQ_8SLD9kRVGuccsgolKIUMpz8myyYgi54hD75a7tRTx4CXf7XKoqzfiuShdYnb-yESu6_lCJbgFcUM7e1nu8Fly8aNwsvQ/s400/kildare2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Strawberries, cream and sunshine - the perfect way to end the weekend!<br />
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</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-85956718745448536112011-06-29T14:06:00.000-07:002011-06-29T14:06:23.772-07:00The Dayward Q&A<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I thought I'd put together a few different Q&A's just for a fun, and to put a bit of a different twist to the usual 'about me' post.<br />
<br />
<b>1. What was the last thing you ate?</b><br />
Rice Bubbles (aka Rice Krispies) with milk...for dessert.<br />
<br />
<b>2. What is your body shape?</b><br />
As much as I would like to say I'm an hourglass, unfortunately I've just recently come to accept that I'm more along the lines of an upside down triangle.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Best tip for dressing for your body shape?</b><br />
Avoid shoulder pads.<br />
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<b>4. Current favourite item of clothing?</b><br />
Yuki Kasia print dress - it's perfect for work without being too boring, and fits well too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwD-r4gQpExTE1MlL6kXFLxorZaEdfDHs83CPrdnrCBMTptc7G-KR99c2JmIhLsh9ij0ZsFER4KM8IvhlrPsKGfGkJf9BMscs-dQ4wdt3eikrxFHzlAS0JtpCzAQoeSDv3YYeEeVU_GU/s1600/yuki_kasia_dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwD-r4gQpExTE1MlL6kXFLxorZaEdfDHs83CPrdnrCBMTptc7G-KR99c2JmIhLsh9ij0ZsFER4KM8IvhlrPsKGfGkJf9BMscs-dQ4wdt3eikrxFHzlAS0JtpCzAQoeSDv3YYeEeVU_GU/s320/yuki_kasia_dress.jpg" width="157" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yuki Kasia Dress - Pic from <a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2358462&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=black%20dress&pageSize=20&refinements=Size{1}~%5B4|s/m%5D">TopShop</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><br />
</b><br />
<b>5. What are your make-up essentials?</b><br />
I usually rush through my make-up application each morning, so I like a no-fuss, simple look:<br />
* Maxfactor black eyeliner (mechanical - because I don't have time for sharpening!)<br />
* Dior Blush in English Rose - I use this on my cheeks and my eyelids (again - it saves time!)<br />
* Dior nude skin perfecting hydrating concealer in beige<br />
..and that's it! All my other make up is for nights out.<br />
<br />
<b>6. What is something you purchased recently that you're happy about?</b><br />
It may be a bit of a strange answer, but I purchased these on-the-vine cherry tomatoes the other day because the colour looked so much more appetising than the tomatoes we usually pick. Not only were they sooo tasty, but they worked out cheaper too. Yay!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKNQBNH_iN2QL2Ds7L99YC4j9EAJLlATfv6Ov28B0kLasL5zuZVtRa4xrfoxaX_6M__7YntaCVFhfCifbl6kVzRrcBni0BG1AqVMLM3oTkqqM25xoZV7aPPHfg5D8hi1tDfwiFcqaRAw/s1600/tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKNQBNH_iN2QL2Ds7L99YC4j9EAJLlATfv6Ov28B0kLasL5zuZVtRa4xrfoxaX_6M__7YntaCVFhfCifbl6kVzRrcBni0BG1AqVMLM3oTkqqM25xoZV7aPPHfg5D8hi1tDfwiFcqaRAw/s320/tomatoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherry Tomatoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>7. Name something that annoys you</b><br />
Hmm...I will have to pick two things:<br />
i) People who stop in the middle of a crowd for a chat. <i>Move out of the way!!!</i><br />
ii) Getting my hair caught/pulled. It puts me straight into a bad mood!<br />
<br />
<b>8. What is your current favourite jewellery item?</b><br />
My double heart tag silver and onyx pendant necklace from Tiffany & Co. Not only is it simple and elegant, but it was given to me by my best friends. I love it!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS528PA1R4-wbFxgQ7uwbTv_Ma2RGKuju2yAJmtbTfGfYInwt_jGLCdBM7vUNBNmfJqbiJEL4UTfpAnJhKl_QgpFQw8P9Z8PFIF2MKiw1nxeg3GJyPFUxogW8E7IjUtnI6ETFVySRgbJA/s1600/tiffany_necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS528PA1R4-wbFxgQ7uwbTv_Ma2RGKuju2yAJmtbTfGfYInwt_jGLCdBM7vUNBNmfJqbiJEL4UTfpAnJhKl_QgpFQw8P9Z8PFIF2MKiw1nxeg3GJyPFUxogW8E7IjUtnI6ETFVySRgbJA/s320/tiffany_necklace.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tiffany.ie/Shopping/Item.aspx?fromGrid=1&sku=25142616&mcat=148204&cid=287465&search_params=s+5-p+41-c+287465-r+2201323338-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+-k+">Tiffany & Co</a> Necklace</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>9. What's something you're looking forward to?</b><br />
Going back home to Sydney for a visit next week! I can't wait!<br />
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<b>10. Describe yourself in three words.</b><br />
Quiet. Ambitious. Quirky.<br />
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Feel free to answer these Q's on your own blog - post a comment below with a link to your blog. I would love to see how other people answer!<br />
<br />
</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-33024160753610790892011-06-28T14:14:00.000-07:002011-06-28T14:16:16.614-07:00Dressing for Ireland. AKA boots...heels...boots...?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The Irish weather has been typically...Irish lately.<br />
<br />
I seem to write a lot about the weather, but you really can see all four seasons in one day here, which makes it a bit difficult to decide what to wear!<br />
<br />
I rely entirely on layers now. A typical outfit would be a short sleeved or sleeveless top, cardigan, scarf, jacket, with sunnies, beanie and umbrella in my handbag.<br />
<br />
For the first year in Dublin, I refused to buy peep-toe shoes - I didn't see the point as there would only be a few occasions I could wear them without getting cold/wet toes.<br />
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Then I decided...life is too short to worry about wet toes, and bought these Ted Baker heels:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVedftDDV_g7RRhBt2AGDF7LeJqtAFYyHrbxZDJ4C3nSlf6NvfLsiLwiPdDgu0uIf3uCeziS5JVEEbREbTJws2GGNsL5HAXdiY6JNw3cHqdnkZAzb_psJ9AFR-yana5meGfZI1t2l4Dc/s1600/ted-baker-keanah-bow-heels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVedftDDV_g7RRhBt2AGDF7LeJqtAFYyHrbxZDJ4C3nSlf6NvfLsiLwiPdDgu0uIf3uCeziS5JVEEbREbTJws2GGNsL5HAXdiY6JNw3cHqdnkZAzb_psJ9AFR-yana5meGfZI1t2l4Dc/s1600/ted-baker-keanah-bow-heels.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tedbaker.com/">Ted Baker</a> Keanah Heels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I wore them to a wedding last month, and was looking forward to wearing them again last weekend, when the weather turned awful. Friday was miserable and chilly, which meant there was nothing else to do but pull out my Moovboots.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl1f_AHZOrL8xfDYv5sP2PbVwR0n-e_Ihf9I5OEn5xYU2NseFc15Qck9KgRNq14qbuI9io0yuXA8qBcqJqDrayM_uWcjIvU5kynOkscAn_PiE59eAraI4J6db6oTpcjp7SS1TDuhDCWQ/s1600/moovboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl1f_AHZOrL8xfDYv5sP2PbVwR0n-e_Ihf9I5OEn5xYU2NseFc15Qck9KgRNq14qbuI9io0yuXA8qBcqJqDrayM_uWcjIvU5kynOkscAn_PiE59eAraI4J6db6oTpcjp7SS1TDuhDCWQ/s400/moovboots.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MoovBooting it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>However - Saturday turned out to be a lovely 22 degrees (can we say heatwave #2 for the year?), so I could wear my Ted Bakers out on Saturday after all!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqc0NPVyz-UuWTMBB4e5b91dwD9nGbzBhJB1zYnIRCbawhPI64OfWzdAdqgUPGIV1pa7Yj-kqb8JLhuKH9h8eoQyuSywTLvHkANbtEgEeWOecDrYEjJdbrDNxC81A4Z_FbAg-7wUqfeUA/s1600/nightout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqc0NPVyz-UuWTMBB4e5b91dwD9nGbzBhJB1zYnIRCbawhPI64OfWzdAdqgUPGIV1pa7Yj-kqb8JLhuKH9h8eoQyuSywTLvHkANbtEgEeWOecDrYEjJdbrDNxC81A4Z_FbAg-7wUqfeUA/s400/nightout.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TFNC dress, Penneys belt, Ted Baker heels.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We've got another night out planned for Cork this coming weekend...we'll see if it turns out to be a boots or heels night!</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-73861987500058279042011-06-22T12:58:00.000-07:002011-06-22T12:58:58.830-07:00Lavender inspired<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK16gSehmjwhTwiJyXvgA3C0xGtJZpKfdUni7l7hQkERCRjRlN_TQQVwqALewmqGdJUGsxiSB0rzvyyZmDiqr1W6oJCMLus0oKTitOoJlEE9mcYtrU2NM9F6FaxeBCyszXrfmjIo1W8sQ/s1600/lavender-header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK16gSehmjwhTwiJyXvgA3C0xGtJZpKfdUni7l7hQkERCRjRlN_TQQVwqALewmqGdJUGsxiSB0rzvyyZmDiqr1W6oJCMLus0oKTitOoJlEE9mcYtrU2NM9F6FaxeBCyszXrfmjIo1W8sQ/s1600/lavender-header.jpg" /></a></div><br />
As inspired by the lavender plants in our backyard:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDERJBbsiKZz2IJg7wZP5CDLXlC9RifO10xh_aDD9VmnBafXz5BuhfZpP6kK_vqEp-jBBIpUO5ZHJRqoRM6oB6EVRN3flUPTJkU27xK_ppmAN2SsBLjkHqN15GLE8jF_HG9GkqEAE5P_U/s1600/lavender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDERJBbsiKZz2IJg7wZP5CDLXlC9RifO10xh_aDD9VmnBafXz5BuhfZpP6kK_vqEp-jBBIpUO5ZHJRqoRM6oB6EVRN3flUPTJkU27xK_ppmAN2SsBLjkHqN15GLE8jF_HG9GkqEAE5P_U/s1600/lavender.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.witchery.com.au/jewellery/rondel-crystal-ribbon-necklace/w1/i5816254_1207631/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Witchery necklace</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Prism-Platform-Peep-Toe-Shoes/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1541573&cid=4172&Rf-200=8&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Purple">ASOS PRISM platform peep toe shoes</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.revolveclothing.com/DisplayProduct.jsp?product=VELVET-WS1674&c=Tops&s=C"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Velvet top</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/161509">Zero+Mariacornejo dress</a></span></div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-68836770815628233472011-06-20T12:38:00.000-07:002011-06-20T12:38:18.951-07:00Recipe: Simple Sea Bass and Hand-Cut Oven Chips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUhW79zx4KbPVx1thFTJchuDm86s2JIoloMktWu1HL5OvIj_CP8vR9YgYfqRv9v7xeAxn9j7_BoiPZ56rpSrmZXHMhAtWgLkAnjO4-BktjiAW19PpfywrRcqikzyflD3ET9N7I20uqJk/s1600/recipe5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUhW79zx4KbPVx1thFTJchuDm86s2JIoloMktWu1HL5OvIj_CP8vR9YgYfqRv9v7xeAxn9j7_BoiPZ56rpSrmZXHMhAtWgLkAnjO4-BktjiAW19PpfywrRcqikzyflD3ET9N7I20uqJk/s400/recipe5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">J cooked this for me last night for dinner. We usually have the sea bass with a chilli, garlic and butter sauce, but we were out of garlic, so we had the sea bass with curry sauce, just as if we were a fancy chipper. Delicious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Peel, rinse and chop potatoes into rough chips/wedges. We usually have 4-5 potatoes between us depending on how big they are.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggq5fznOk6h0G_QQbFSQKFFdvDlsmsg8z_hjQ8GDIFtLj5j08pZGDSIuFOBoZ4XLdbTmAy2NLvjm78jP2Fx8_1PGEDqEPHBpY9SbORnxEJWiqIJArHjWWp_7J6Po2X9pO4xFBkRPAHtr4/s1600/recipe1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggq5fznOk6h0G_QQbFSQKFFdvDlsmsg8z_hjQ8GDIFtLj5j08pZGDSIuFOBoZ4XLdbTmAy2NLvjm78jP2Fx8_1PGEDqEPHBpY9SbORnxEJWiqIJArHjWWp_7J6Po2X9pO4xFBkRPAHtr4/s320/recipe1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Dry the chips in a tea towel to remove any moisture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKd4UvizuDiPRy5iJ-TmJ1z_bTyduH4MkwVuj5hyj3a8SynXdwjpEiHr8VdV1Dx7g1oe_HR8LJeEQO3AGSPySWjJ4veG2ZsbpOMG1mt9-0NoRZT6pSkIBWuP2rxStMq168_eKwvpszZlc/s1600/recipe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKd4UvizuDiPRy5iJ-TmJ1z_bTyduH4MkwVuj5hyj3a8SynXdwjpEiHr8VdV1Dx7g1oe_HR8LJeEQO3AGSPySWjJ4veG2ZsbpOMG1mt9-0NoRZT6pSkIBWuP2rxStMq168_eKwvpszZlc/s320/recipe2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
3. Put the chips into a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper, add a small bit of oil, seasoning and mix. We usually put basil, chilli flakes, salt and pepper - but you can add whatever takes your fancy! Pop the chips into a pre-heated oven (roughly 180 deg, or 160deg fan forced) for 45 mins, stirring occasionally.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNM0lJL1qVk74gNBFqHMY9g9m0HEBmNSAgoo-aAEJEQlSjjGd2EA2prY-bikGa0Hh2OtHEacUgQKgAZqan-DFlp3SA-7_AT0VMEHkOjGDBtMt_VL_1qfsOLcbCCsY0vk0eAqCKJfm6sfY/s1600/recipe3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNM0lJL1qVk74gNBFqHMY9g9m0HEBmNSAgoo-aAEJEQlSjjGd2EA2prY-bikGa0Hh2OtHEacUgQKgAZqan-DFlp3SA-7_AT0VMEHkOjGDBtMt_VL_1qfsOLcbCCsY0vk0eAqCKJfm6sfY/s320/recipe3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> 4. Coat the sea bass fillets with plain flour (not too much). Heat a small bit of oil in a fry pan, and fry the sea bass lightly on each side - this should only take a few minutes each side, as soon as the fish is lightly golden, it's done!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYK6Q2npEEYTAsniDT4JLUUEc5s8HZhRkE4lgAHQo4uf2O-0xuHC-lV0zZw1Uc1ITFxDCXWzkBcKxfWSc2fqlZurbsY6kZecFjK09-0ZwUOSBd_xN44JyUEL0-lvozOMnOBLtZITI4Og/s1600/recipe4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYK6Q2npEEYTAsniDT4JLUUEc5s8HZhRkE4lgAHQo4uf2O-0xuHC-lV0zZw1Uc1ITFxDCXWzkBcKxfWSc2fqlZurbsY6kZecFjK09-0ZwUOSBd_xN44JyUEL0-lvozOMnOBLtZITI4Og/s320/recipe4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>5. Prepare the sauce of your choice (in our case it was a packet curry mix), and serve. Easy!<br />
<br />
</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-12248826929628685832011-06-19T12:21:00.000-07:002011-06-19T12:21:34.511-07:00Weekend cash-splash<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Well, this has been quite an expensive weekend! <div><br />
</div><div>The spending started innocently enough when I purchased this Tortel skirt from Mango...</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMaMbpWQmVpTLBNNGn5Y2VoVb-xGSxUQommqHKl-A8SzRnG6ZIyJLoIcR-qZM3iSBkZfOiyJ3umjsxIBeIjdqRTCaOmjJKQVbe1V1d2fIZDyToQ3_ncsTK5EnGDzVxeIHRjVMcuiygCg/s1600/mango-skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMaMbpWQmVpTLBNNGn5Y2VoVb-xGSxUQommqHKl-A8SzRnG6ZIyJLoIcR-qZM3iSBkZfOiyJ3umjsxIBeIjdqRTCaOmjJKQVbe1V1d2fIZDyToQ3_ncsTK5EnGDzVxeIHRjVMcuiygCg/s320/mango-skirt.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tortel skirt from <a href="http://www.mango.com/">Mango</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>...then the costs slowed added up as we ate out and ordered take away for lunch and dinner on Saturday. (Nandos for lunch, chicken and chips for dinner...I know, terribly unhealthy...)</div><div><br />
</div><div>On Sunday, we headed into the city for lunch at one of my favourite Dublin cafes, Coppinger Row:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIR8vzpokCofifz-QiyKbgshQ5UaEUWlnE42InCOuoe9oGPRFNptqKofQ1PQtdT2xtzhjqlUENNF6L-ndfNHHrfQI52PX5GbnBe4oOqptb4i8lhnbTd5wTaP0z3OQh338ykEV2YwEqwM/s1600/coppinger-row2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIR8vzpokCofifz-QiyKbgshQ5UaEUWlnE42InCOuoe9oGPRFNptqKofQ1PQtdT2xtzhjqlUENNF6L-ndfNHHrfQI52PX5GbnBe4oOqptb4i8lhnbTd5wTaP0z3OQh338ykEV2YwEqwM/s320/coppinger-row2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coppinger Row, Dublin</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53MUATSz7PESoOU8Cy-qf1Ds_0SjWV5CNJNdpshiwlxdzLe9St6WpF9ePDIXIsidpiexNtLZEZUzqpRX2937vgSrMuDwKSkiM88Z55EXsAd9dMA7nis_lApG_j8fXMQ_s5Te3rGdZX5A/s1600/coppinger-row3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53MUATSz7PESoOU8Cy-qf1Ds_0SjWV5CNJNdpshiwlxdzLe9St6WpF9ePDIXIsidpiexNtLZEZUzqpRX2937vgSrMuDwKSkiM88Z55EXsAd9dMA7nis_lApG_j8fXMQ_s5Te3rGdZX5A/s320/coppinger-row3.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coppinger Row, Dublin</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObbppQXtCk3YYo5ZDQrL9R7Ez56YZxR_mebwIKyYj9aSeUtiMo5ZMIWw7Lgr3iRxxweKl02rH4kM2SmDLOSgI4g6_7i2DdgJLBk3Gw8BVlhqwq39kfvRAts5AdEa2EOrHI611-pkYo3U/s1600/coppinger-row1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObbppQXtCk3YYo5ZDQrL9R7Ez56YZxR_mebwIKyYj9aSeUtiMo5ZMIWw7Lgr3iRxxweKl02rH4kM2SmDLOSgI4g6_7i2DdgJLBk3Gw8BVlhqwq39kfvRAts5AdEa2EOrHI611-pkYo3U/s320/coppinger-row1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open meatball sandwich, Cod croquettes, and a side of fries.. YUM</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div>After lunch we wondered around the city and ended up on Henry St, where I purchased a Canon digital SLR camera. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I wanted an entry level digital SLR that wasn't too pricey, but would still allow me to try out 'proper' photography to see if it could be something I'd be interested in.</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngbdYw8W5aIqyJMYn_PYZQ6VlmtaUcxXpdEiGwPLUoHU7_1LBcVvsrvPTirEs_SCp6pQPvcL0KPun_GmnhTN-SDjDJrxP93pGhES0VSyL0XedAEhfNuvXIvgMwYk6g2VhNqj_pEnRl3E/s1600/canon-eos-1000d_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngbdYw8W5aIqyJMYn_PYZQ6VlmtaUcxXpdEiGwPLUoHU7_1LBcVvsrvPTirEs_SCp6pQPvcL0KPun_GmnhTN-SDjDJrxP93pGhES0VSyL0XedAEhfNuvXIvgMwYk6g2VhNqj_pEnRl3E/s320/canon-eos-1000d_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canon EOS 1000D photo from <a href="http://www.cnet.com.au/canon-eos-1000d-339289627.htm">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>I ended up purchasing the Canon EOS 1000D model. It was cheap as digital SLR's go, but still took a big chunk out of my paycheck! </div><div><br />
</div><div>I've already annoyed J by using him as a test subject, so I've turned my attention to the orchids in our dining room. Two of my first photos below:</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IOK3QhgI9fF21qyAdUWcgTqHJoc-Vcsa_Mc_nbkaD04Nx21pVP6G05AUTjb6ThY70JRtuV2K4hPARWt1CMSlFWpo29QottxVgS_zU-1s9A2asdjXQ9uabv2bxBItCkLqyfDmMoCEdqY/s1600/orchid1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IOK3QhgI9fF21qyAdUWcgTqHJoc-Vcsa_Mc_nbkaD04Nx21pVP6G05AUTjb6ThY70JRtuV2K4hPARWt1CMSlFWpo29QottxVgS_zU-1s9A2asdjXQ9uabv2bxBItCkLqyfDmMoCEdqY/s320/orchid1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZzNAB4_wxWs4JCqEyXqToGdLBF53U9fXDx2mqP4bQ8jlvae4pNUboF9L11uqU-NeLPkdeVleS_ezo9LOgYFuKMdPGnhBwLLrRqNVKD4k9pTdm7PGNCNAAX9_PAD-OS02CFkWw1gk41s/s1600/orchid2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZzNAB4_wxWs4JCqEyXqToGdLBF53U9fXDx2mqP4bQ8jlvae4pNUboF9L11uqU-NeLPkdeVleS_ezo9LOgYFuKMdPGnhBwLLrRqNVKD4k9pTdm7PGNCNAAX9_PAD-OS02CFkWw1gk41s/s320/orchid2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Hopefully this means I'll be able to take better quality photos for this blog - IF I'm able to get my head around all these dials!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Hope everyone had a great weekend!</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-70912918244521508582011-06-15T13:41:00.000-07:002011-06-15T13:46:12.431-07:00Nicole vs. Cheryl - The Purple and Orange Trend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Thought this was pretty funny. After 'stealing' Cheryl Cole's spot on the US x-factor show, Nicole Scherzinger decides to wonder out wearing a *much* better version of the purple-and-orange outfit. I don't follow celebrity gossip much, but I can't help thinking 'poor Cheryl!' - she was everyone's darling last year, but as they say - that was<i> soooo</i> yesterday.<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5mp7D1Nnt0j4EMR1ORKA9cb2Sa6pHXzNCK-YdIlHop4R97jUZ8pOq4V_IJ6lG4i-Opo6KVeUlHFu9fwyQt-zVbHbX1yYOI4z2dEYexdjET66hSfDHC_egKDCjaRcR9ezfURuqvTrrjI/s1600/nicole_purple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5mp7D1Nnt0j4EMR1ORKA9cb2Sa6pHXzNCK-YdIlHop4R97jUZ8pOq4V_IJ6lG4i-Opo6KVeUlHFu9fwyQt-zVbHbX1yYOI4z2dEYexdjET66hSfDHC_egKDCjaRcR9ezfURuqvTrrjI/s640/nicole_purple.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Pic from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2003603/X-Factor-USA-Nicole-Scherzinger-gives-Cheryl-Cole-lesson-orange-purple-style.html?ito=feeds-newsxml">here</a></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGGgz8-feyVz1hA5PacQY_yFiYrM1tRAO-VxWuqfl0-pPDNGDqD1u7GEG6pSlzl8qZMUHXw5D_TQYRkTPHE-fiDD9VLe6Rqq3q4_l0jMndHqWX90LwBz0u9VKvUqHAMCNqg1cV1zHGcc/s1600/cheryl_purple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGGgz8-feyVz1hA5PacQY_yFiYrM1tRAO-VxWuqfl0-pPDNGDqD1u7GEG6pSlzl8qZMUHXw5D_TQYRkTPHE-fiDD9VLe6Rqq3q4_l0jMndHqWX90LwBz0u9VKvUqHAMCNqg1cV1zHGcc/s640/cheryl_purple.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Pic from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2003603/X-Factor-USA-Nicole-Scherzinger-gives-Cheryl-Cole-lesson-orange-purple-style.html?ito=feeds-newsxml">here</a></span></div><br />
Cheryl's purple pants are pretty hideous though, I think.<br />
<br />
<b>My take on the purple and orange trend</b><br />
<br />
1. Take one purple skirt:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MexpcpTNBnDsPwNF5Yp462Uv-6o6kdrlgb54jA7YBZpAu-JNm9VgAjjGXMljeGQvA3YnDpvViWBFW5WQ_Q529CRWnpZwKJiIxDES5deFgs4yg5UZH-9o6By3LKhCVuIqgq-mZ6_bgxM/s1600/topshop_skirt_purple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MexpcpTNBnDsPwNF5Yp462Uv-6o6kdrlgb54jA7YBZpAu-JNm9VgAjjGXMljeGQvA3YnDpvViWBFW5WQ_Q529CRWnpZwKJiIxDES5deFgs4yg5UZH-9o6By3LKhCVuIqgq-mZ6_bgxM/s1600/topshop_skirt_purple.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skirt from <a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2471279&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208530&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=20&refinements=Colour{1}~[purple]&noOfRefinements=1">Topshop</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>2. Add one orange bodysuit:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianMNNLphzGjrhPpUfq3LhedaPckyiP-A8ZiH188vFJ-4trqB6jYxyGzzQPy3eZ0sBgF26qHTtd5-pIdoxmIV-nHCB0TihRG2_J8Dzxmff98IKoR0EqRtM1DyUCAu6durUSREyGxaASZ4/s1600/orange_bodysuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianMNNLphzGjrhPpUfq3LhedaPckyiP-A8ZiH188vFJ-4trqB6jYxyGzzQPy3eZ0sBgF26qHTtd5-pIdoxmIV-nHCB0TihRG2_J8Dzxmff98IKoR0EqRtM1DyUCAu6durUSREyGxaASZ4/s320/orange_bodysuit.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motel skirt, from <a href="http://www.asos.com/Motel/Motel-Pam-Retro-Cupped-Lace-Trim-Body-Suit/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1589504&cid=4169&Rf-200=7&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Coral">Asos.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>3. Throw in a few accessories:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRcgaI34lJq6x0g0d4mtJ5V7C7_GPTuxVviG8KR8fz-3TBRXazgIYf4uT1-GLY7jeEaQqbNE62_Rrh_rP6rP-vRlc_dn9iyAEHAEHOuapZkQURp01dQHEwI6OCHWC4sw7CadbkHxegVo/s1600/accessories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRcgaI34lJq6x0g0d4mtJ5V7C7_GPTuxVviG8KR8fz-3TBRXazgIYf4uT1-GLY7jeEaQqbNE62_Rrh_rP6rP-vRlc_dn9iyAEHAEHOuapZkQURp01dQHEwI6OCHWC4sw7CadbkHxegVo/s320/accessories.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Metallic-Obi-Belt-With-Plaited-Tie-Detail/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1512700&cid=4174&Rf900=1435&Rf-200=11&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Bronze">Asos</a> belt, <a href="http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/jewellery/necklaces/gold-look-angel-wing-necklace-600422">River Island</a> necklace</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
4. And you get something like this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoRF-Sbo64xYT4qsXD8JFxhWmbvl6JD6CWgydRrvFYQA1qbzU7xkSj5gjeQtDfqNeqdgLEi1FAHXR5OiHLLdM-hjNIPlKe27O7RR3E_2rnCcOahyphenhyphenGASslDIEYx3FwrRfBaHJDE7kvylY/s1600/purple_orange_fashion_mashup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoRF-Sbo64xYT4qsXD8JFxhWmbvl6JD6CWgydRrvFYQA1qbzU7xkSj5gjeQtDfqNeqdgLEi1FAHXR5OiHLLdM-hjNIPlKe27O7RR3E_2rnCcOahyphenhyphenGASslDIEYx3FwrRfBaHJDE7kvylY/s1600/purple_orange_fashion_mashup.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple-Orange trend fashion mashup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What do you think? Are you a fan of the purple-orange combo?</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-70677007470253876392011-06-14T11:12:00.000-07:002011-06-14T11:12:36.303-07:00Things I've learnt while living in Ireland...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Things I've learnt while living in Ireland:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It is possible to drive a manual car without stressing and stalling</li>
<li>Irish people are so nice that if you reverse into their BMW they'll just smile and wave you on</li>
<li>Curry sauce and hot chips is yummy (yes, CURRY sauce - not gravy!)</li>
<li>Hurling is a sport, not something you do after a big night out</li>
</ul><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZHTXRSLo9niiq3JqtjWkh4lpib5KQ0rnS25hUP4nR3FyfMDfCy10jZloSKI8Jt0meSqRcPbTJFal2rCrJDR9PPrRu20h-01tgCy1_B2G7WyKB8Zs5ZSdN_B-acmZgydVkm3c2qAqEkk/s1600/hurling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZHTXRSLo9niiq3JqtjWkh4lpib5KQ0rnS25hUP4nR3FyfMDfCy10jZloSKI8Jt0meSqRcPbTJFal2rCrJDR9PPrRu20h-01tgCy1_B2G7WyKB8Zs5ZSdN_B-acmZgydVkm3c2qAqEkk/s320/hurling.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hurling match</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>When someone says "Your one over there" they simply mean "that woman over there", they don't actually mean that you somehow own said woman. Same goes for "Your man."</li>
<li>When you need the police you should call the Garda</li>
<li>Always bring a beanie, umbrella, scarf and sunglasses with you everywhere...regardless of what the weather forecast says.</li>
<li>You can't order fancy shots or mixed drinks in a bar/pub/club (unless you're at a cocktail bar). Instead, if you want a 'Vodka and orange', you'll need to order a shot of vodka in a glass and a separate bottle of OJ and mix it yourself! I haven't quite figured out how to order a vodka raspberry yet..!</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
No OOTD as I'm in a boring grey work shift dress, so in keeping with the Irish theme I'll leave you with a shot of an Irish pub:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUp_SM1YDY7nzWX3Xvv77QId7krqVw4t0tggpwAwlDhDMiJsfFqf0suYkOCjhDU5djoeldwVyUg4ACSYbEi5FJN-wz9d0ec5ZPKCXSW5h7IXLXBxnmazGMYJb1mXk7EN5ddt2FZ4e5UYY/s1600/guiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUp_SM1YDY7nzWX3Xvv77QId7krqVw4t0tggpwAwlDhDMiJsfFqf0suYkOCjhDU5djoeldwVyUg4ACSYbEi5FJN-wz9d0ec5ZPKCXSW5h7IXLXBxnmazGMYJb1mXk7EN5ddt2FZ4e5UYY/s320/guiness.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-44334288907578157792011-06-12T10:49:00.000-07:002011-06-12T10:49:24.488-07:00No bake chocolate cake - FAIL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qlZ897cxgWXkzmcdm5uGdpiDCJPEYVytpaqumepJhgvWOG3ltmVMpOs3zwYAIWV9o-j6ReEJ3DhsCTan7MWC54cCBk53gqCquHFoLZEF5dcOsj_UJyTNGkfMgJC3iaKtS5xWch-iRY4/s1600/chocolate_cake_fail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qlZ897cxgWXkzmcdm5uGdpiDCJPEYVytpaqumepJhgvWOG3ltmVMpOs3zwYAIWV9o-j6ReEJ3DhsCTan7MWC54cCBk53gqCquHFoLZEF5dcOsj_UJyTNGkfMgJC3iaKtS5xWch-iRY4/s320/chocolate_cake_fail.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate 'cake' fail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I tried making a chocolate biscuit cake today. Or as the recipe called it, a 'No Bake Chocolate Cake'.<br />
<br />
It didn't work.<br />
<br />
See the picture above - that yellow stuff along the bottom and down the sides is butter - yes, solid BUTTER. It doesn't taste very nice at all.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if it's something I did wrong or if I just followed a bad recipe, but this household doesn't have a great track record with chocolate biscuit cakes - J has tried making them several times and failed. I think it's time we call it quits and go back to the easy chocolate caramel slice!<br />
<br />
Oh, and my stay-at-home-and-bake-cos-its-rainy outfit is below:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPoPqHkzf4emGhhkUyjs5kU9UOWZj4KVvzViJw3twBQpSuQnL_QiUfTtSyXfVnTMNOAT0v4uMJ-xP3xxMw_WXnYmI1Iz7uMv6UEMcD7p6tB3mLGOMRNXpv6wh_tI48fvw5xo-u7jRcgk/s1600/120611_outfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPoPqHkzf4emGhhkUyjs5kU9UOWZj4KVvzViJw3twBQpSuQnL_QiUfTtSyXfVnTMNOAT0v4uMJ-xP3xxMw_WXnYmI1Iz7uMv6UEMcD7p6tB3mLGOMRNXpv6wh_tI48fvw5xo-u7jRcgk/s320/120611_outfit.jpg" width="120" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penneys tunic dress<br />
Next tights<br />
Scarf from a London market stall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Comfy, warm and cheap!<br />
<br />
</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-26189288448985547702011-06-11T07:35:00.000-07:002011-06-11T09:10:49.973-07:00Casual weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1J_T-VxAuxTWwfH5rYD6g4gHg9VsS_kqbO7u0u5gG5hAdtTCnp_YtoUtgMMmAu1S_XxTKPWK_-3N5zULlml94Jg2G9zUPLy76wnWE73O7Ez4osLoeFciYmJkRBKL4bvc4Blol_kieU4/s1600/weekend_blazer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1J_T-VxAuxTWwfH5rYD6g4gHg9VsS_kqbO7u0u5gG5hAdtTCnp_YtoUtgMMmAu1S_XxTKPWK_-3N5zULlml94Jg2G9zUPLy76wnWE73O7Ez4osLoeFciYmJkRBKL4bvc4Blol_kieU4/s320/weekend_blazer.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Highway Blazer<br />
J Brand Jeans<br />
Saint Shylo Top over a white singlet<br />
Kurt Geiger patent ballet flats</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After my complaint about not being able to find a blazer that <a href="http://dayward.blogspot.com/2011/06/shoulder-pads-arent-my-friend.html">suits my shoulders</a>, I realised I already had a blazer! I love finding 'forgotten' clothes - it's like going shopping without the price tag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wore the outfit above out to the shops this morning, where I resisted buying these Zara trousers:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyEGkJSQOdsiW2baIJibQJxJXlKqlNqELCPbpw4_QiQZUw2N3v7s9cyxaNazae_8NS6PmnJa_Rn-DjlYzzhCo6vB25DEbuHACKEz4XipAh-Lr5QpYD6NgeFMmGcx-KqLlkjXwuKCle0A/s1600/zara_stripe_pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyEGkJSQOdsiW2baIJibQJxJXlKqlNqELCPbpw4_QiQZUw2N3v7s9cyxaNazae_8NS6PmnJa_Rn-DjlYzzhCo6vB25DEbuHACKEz4XipAh-Lr5QpYD6NgeFMmGcx-KqLlkjXwuKCle0A/s320/zara_stripe_pants.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/ie/en/zara-S2011/61139/388982/TROUSERS%2BWITH%2BFRONT%2BSEAM">Zara trousers</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The stripe down the front made my legs look frumpy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-89984363285575335782011-06-10T13:26:00.000-07:002011-06-11T07:37:19.235-07:005 positive points about life in Ireland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnKNSG58IXhg5moK9WRF54a_UxOFRS1y7FxDP8k6F3OZWGgJS-HcoIJzdU5nZUPPX7I4QEJEUn9Orq0VB3W-NJjo4rdqJTSYujEUEBo4-sVA6AnAz047D4mWQ6db0wxTrvMkE8vtg7T0/s1600/ireland_dingle_pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnKNSG58IXhg5moK9WRF54a_UxOFRS1y7FxDP8k6F3OZWGgJS-HcoIJzdU5nZUPPX7I4QEJEUn9Orq0VB3W-NJjo4rdqJTSYujEUEBo4-sVA6AnAz047D4mWQ6db0wxTrvMkE8vtg7T0/s320/ireland_dingle_pass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Conner Pass, Kerry</span></div><br />
<br />
I've been a bit negative about the Irish weather in a few of my previous posts, so to be fair, I thought I'd post 5 positive things about Ireland:<br />
<br />
<b>1. The drivers are nice.</b><br />
<br />
Try to merge into traffic in Sydney and unless you bully your way in, you could be waiting a while! Not so in Ireland. Here the drivers are so nice they'll slow down and wave you into the traffic in front of them. Or they'll pull aside and let you pass if the road is too narrow. All they ask in return is a "thank you" - which can be done by waving, flashing your headlights, or flashing your hazards.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKDIo4wfHFvB64OCVgfXhFBtAJECwP388hwcmxcIJNdFOiORN1V6tzpeIVSI2XJHmX5p-raO1mIrkz-q0IyyTfD95PluyxFiVsC5sbt1aARP2rjeXPENR5KwqdBJETGdvb0MqXRN949g/s1600/driving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKDIo4wfHFvB64OCVgfXhFBtAJECwP388hwcmxcIJNdFOiORN1V6tzpeIVSI2XJHmX5p-raO1mIrkz-q0IyyTfD95PluyxFiVsC5sbt1aARP2rjeXPENR5KwqdBJETGdvb0MqXRN949g/s320/driving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Driving in Ireland</span></div><br />
<br />
<b>2. The Irish appreciate the sun.</b><br />
<br />
Because they don't get too much of it, the Irish really know how to make the most of a nice day. If it's dry enough, kids will choose to go outside and play instead of hiding indoors in front of the TV. If it's dry and sunny, the Irish will be outside in their shorts enjoying the fresh air. One thing I've learnt since living here is not to take the sun and warmth for granted!<br />
<br />
<b>3. The scenery is beautiful.</b><br />
<br />
I love going for drives along the coast north of Dublin. Even better are cross-country drives into Galway or Kerry. Everything is so green and pretty, and if the sun is out the views are simply stunning!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimT8Gr10inuwyiyRgFMP2eDjFvZJENoxMvKCod4i3dMt4bmSw0LasKTWhQsHc2wk_zPO8cS10cNFLFzySNv1fxLQh-FF-ouDi3f9cbzuYhklDj1NPIqPewqqooy8BW7aNZD5OmO08kFV4/s1600/muckross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimT8Gr10inuwyiyRgFMP2eDjFvZJENoxMvKCod4i3dMt4bmSw0LasKTWhQsHc2wk_zPO8cS10cNFLFzySNv1fxLQh-FF-ouDi3f9cbzuYhklDj1NPIqPewqqooy8BW7aNZD5OmO08kFV4/s320/muckross.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">View from the Muckross House Garden in Killarney</span></div><br />
<b>4. The Irish know their potatoes.</b><br />
<br />
Yes, the rumours about Irish and potatoes are true - there eat a LOT of potatoes. Because of this, the Irish know how to make the best potato dishes. For example - last Christmas with J's family there was a choice between 5 potato dishes (no joke) - mash, baked, roast, potato stuffing and chips. All delicious!<br />
<br />
<b>5. They have leprechauns!!</b><br />
<br />
Well, that may be stretching the truth a little, but they do have a <a href="http://www.leprechaunmuseum.ie/">leprechaun museum</a> in Dublin! This museum is a lot of fun and comes complete with a 'Giants Room', where there's giant-sized furniture which are a lot of fun to climb around on.</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-30520854644470274012011-06-09T13:01:00.000-07:002011-06-09T13:01:58.801-07:00I have a smokin' fence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQMXPPcV-77NngXdWyT5AA6H_2-QvJ3cHRl-7uxRjcE1wh_WoPUOsmOJnUhswP4LS8FcqIDnKZD_l0XJ1RCVXXiLd5_CLVfueP_eYIO8cT2I-aMH3SqykYIZg3qSk2sAB8rRSy56K4k0/s1600/black_work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQMXPPcV-77NngXdWyT5AA6H_2-QvJ3cHRl-7uxRjcE1wh_WoPUOsmOJnUhswP4LS8FcqIDnKZD_l0XJ1RCVXXiLd5_CLVfueP_eYIO8cT2I-aMH3SqykYIZg3qSk2sAB8rRSy56K4k0/s320/black_work.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Dress: Calvin Klein</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Tights: Next</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Shoes: Marks and Spencers</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Was running late today, so threw together the 'safest' outfit to wear. Black may be boring, but it sure is handy for work!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I got home, I found my fence was smoking - seriously, there was smoke coming off it! I tried to capture it as best I could below:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LqfkL0DtoWgktU4ZgRJxFDRbc_eTyZ2IBvBtSl-_HKOwxAD1xH3Tpn9_OnVpoAwZxu4LX08A_M4iTUEtMq4pJlBhFw9AZKG6sTwczk8jRcm71tzkfbbcQR8Ynm8KR2d_jXlTnbw6AiM/s1600/fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LqfkL0DtoWgktU4ZgRJxFDRbc_eTyZ2IBvBtSl-_HKOwxAD1xH3Tpn9_OnVpoAwZxu4LX08A_M4iTUEtMq4pJlBhFw9AZKG6sTwczk8jRcm71tzkfbbcQR8Ynm8KR2d_jXlTnbw6AiM/s320/fence.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Boring explanation: Wet fence from the rain + sunshine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Alternative explanation: My neighbours have a serious grudge against the fence</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7391327669507531368.post-17425774572786550712011-06-08T13:13:00.000-07:002011-06-08T13:13:05.330-07:00So Irish...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjQt7nMDU0UwxgR7prhn7MzhLMlBbL5JAyGjLGoPY2-TSHBjQJ2LBUKLXdUkZUJNDG3tGM4oDYwLYv_5HIBhOL_3UHLhT7qWpZEh4h4ytEW1x5VjJczS5BNVihWls9a0xS0lHkNxivzY/s1600/irishsun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjQt7nMDU0UwxgR7prhn7MzhLMlBbL5JAyGjLGoPY2-TSHBjQJ2LBUKLXdUkZUJNDG3tGM4oDYwLYv_5HIBhOL_3UHLhT7qWpZEh4h4ytEW1x5VjJczS5BNVihWls9a0xS0lHkNxivzY/s400/irishsun.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Haha..I came across this RiverRock water bus stop ad the other day. This pretty much sums up the weather here over the past few days! The sun? what's that?</div><br />
</div>Eeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08326453051098136539noreply@blogger.com0