Its May Day – Where have I been ?

I won’t lie, I’d say the last time I sat down to write was the post on my New Years Resolution … Oh ya … January.  Where has the time gone?  What have I been doing?  I will admit I have pages, notebooks even full of notes and ideas.  Sometimes I think if God forbid, I dropped dead tomorrow my poor husband wouldn’t make any sense of the pages of circled words, paragraphs, ideas for pictures or the like.  Granted the laptop is on its last legs and the end of the world is not the ideal place to get a good reception.

Speaking of the end of the world,  its where I live and you know its what has prompted me to get back at it.  We’ve had so much going on in the last 2 months around West Kerry I think the season just landed on us.  We’ve had an influx of the Star Wars people,  every ounce of available accommodation seems to be mopped up and along with that we’ve just waved Goodbye to the Top Gear guys who were on the Peninsula filming.  Check out my Instagram post of Matt Le Blanc giving me the ‘ol wink & wave !

This weekend we have our annual Feile na Bealtaine festival.  The children are taking part in the street parade throughout the town this afternoon and have been busy at Scoil preparing their costumes, a real culmination of colour and artistic ability.  And obviously if topped off with fine weather everyone’s spirits are lifted so start praying the fog I’m looking out at will lift within the next two hours or so.  Himself took part in the Dingle Peninsula Cycle Challenge yesterday as part of the Feile.  Unfortunately my surgery put a halt to training on a bike but there’s always next year god willing.

Add to that that I’ve picked up a few hours work, I’ve started a new correspondence course and with the lads activities rocking and rolling everyday there isn’t time to fit much more in.  As I type here there are balls hopping off the roof over my head.  If you see a lorry with slates landing you’ll know what it is …. Last weekend we had the Dingle Running and Fitness Festival which was a huge success and fun for all the family.  You should really check it out if you’re part of an active family!  Top all that off with the fact that I am determined to master homemade bolognese sauce since I’ve been watching Karen the Kenmare Foodie

Saying all that the spuds are set, the clothes are back out on the line, there’s a spring in our step.  Not sure if there is anything big going on in town next weekend but I have a nice hike and trip planned for the boys weather permitting.   Watch this space for more of the old regulars back and some fun things to do in our beautiful county now that the summer is approaching.

 

E, x

Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe is great for the kids lunch boxes and to add to make it even more appealing why not make double the mixture and freeze half of it for next time or if ou are ever stuck it will come in really handy

Ingredients

150g Self Raising Flour

75g Porridge Oats

125g Softenened Butter

1 egg and I teasp of Vanilla Essence

125g Light Muscvado Sugar

100g chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 190deg.

 

1. Cream the butter and sugar together in the mixer until nice and smooth.

2.  Add the egg and Vanilla Essence.

3. Stir in the flour, porridge and Chocolate Chips.  Don’t worry if the mixture is very stiff.  Its supposed to be.

4.  Place spoonfuls of the mixture on the baking tray leaving space in between to allow for them to spread during cooking.

5.  12/15 mins in the oven or until the start to brown.  The might seem soft in the middle but cookies continue to cook while the are cooling.

6.  Store in an airtight container if the last that long.

As I said a real hit with the lunch boxes and the cookie dough can be frozen so make enough for next Sunday   when you are planning the lunches for the week ahead.

 
Enjoy, x

Apple and Blackberry Pie

With the spell of an Indian Summer showing we had a wonderful Sunday morning lately out picking the Smeara Dubha (Blackberries) so here’s just a short post on our results.

Firstly just to say after a bit of research I discovered that the little black fruits are packed full of antioxidants and vitamin C.  While the tiny seeds are packed full of fibre and salicylates which is a group of analgesics that include the active ingredient in Aspirin … so next time the kids are up your back don’t reach for the coffee …. throw back a handful of blackberries. …

Obviously the blackberries we got are wild but you can buy them frozen in most supermarkets.  According to my local expert in Blackberry picking If picking them wild its best to pick them off the main road as sometimes they may be open to fumes from traffic … so climb over that field gate and head off.  YOu’ll soon begin to see the differnce between a small not so ripe Blackberry and a nice plump one.  The rounder and plumpier the better,  more juice and flavour but if you need to buy in the shop just check the end of the punnet isn’t to squishy looking with stains from burst berries.

They freeze brilliantly.  I just pop them in a tubberware box and take them out as I need them.  Make sure to always wash the berries.  Personally I think they are a fragile fruit so I just rinse through gently with a sieve.

Here’s our take on Apple and Blackberry Pie

Ingredients 

8oz Plain flour

4oz butter  

150ml cold water approx

4 large cooking apples

Handful blackberries 

iLittle sugar to sweeten the apples

Method

1. add the softened butter to the flour and mix untilmit resembles fine breadcrumbs. 

2. gradually add water bit by bit until lit starts to come together 

  

2016 – lets roll with it

I can honestly say that I was never “over the moon” to see the back of any particular year. However I will admit that I’m not one for wild New Years Eve parties and celebrations and counting down to Ring it in ! I’m happy out to go to go bed and wake up on Jan 1 and carry on as normal.

It’s good to remember the positive parts – boys first trip to Croker, our first family holiday abroad, becoming a member of @ITWBN, realizing the benefits of seaweed and loving it at the local seaweed baths, sandy sunny days spent at the beach and much more.

All that said I am glad to be seeing the back of 2015 – between losing our jobs and the emotions that go with that … Kerry lost, Tipp lost, the Legion lost (all big things in this house), a friend who went through a few months of a tough time (I felt her pain and loss for days) and having had surgery myself three weeks ago you know what I’m ready now to move on ! ON ON ON

New Year here and hands up I’m not the one for making Resolutions ! If I wrote down a resolution it would be gone with the bath water by the end of Jan. I’m also not big into the hundreds of quotes, motivational or otherwise that fly around social media but I do save anyone that ticks some box in my head somewhere. Sharing some of them throughout this post !

So it’s simple really no New Years resolutions but lots of goals and maybe a bucket list … All might I add chopping and changing as the year goes on and the seasons change !

At home with the Fam during Christmas and the diaries came out. We pencilled in a few dates over the next few months . All of a sudden we were at the beginning of March. I will admit GAA featured highly, sure the MGrath cup starts Sunday week. Am involved in organising a family get together which is going to be really great so looking forward to that !

Can’t wait for the stretch in the evenings, looking forward to getting out as much as possible with the boys whether it’s bike, run or crawl. WK Fitness are having a kids element to their running and Fitness Festival in April with lots of kids activities planned so we might take part. There’s the annual Mt Brandon day trip on the list of course, Cnoc na Carraige right here outside the door and Tomás wants to take his bike to Killarney National Park (to chase the deer 😂😂). I’d love to do one of the cycles on the weekend of Feile na Bealtaine so if you see me hanging over handle bars somewhere between now and then you’ll know it’s all for a good cause ! Care to join me … Get in Touch I’d love it ! More the merrier 🚴🏻🚴🏻 so yes being fitter and healthier is definitely top of my list.

 

Boys bought Mom a cookbook for Christmas. I do get sick of cooking the same ole same ole sometimes & then give up & serve shit for a day or two until I realize it makes you feel like shit so needs must & we pull ourselves back together & back on track.Hoping to try out lots of new healthy recipes with their little helping hands and promise if it’s worth sharing them you’ll all be in on it 👍🏻

 

 
As I get older I definitely think we need to cut out the negativity in the world. There’s enough hatred in the world.  Just be kind, we have no idea what’s going on in someone else’s life so who are we to judge ! That’s why I like this quote about starting each day on a positive note (even if the 6 year old is demanding the sun, moon and stars at 7am) take a deep breadth that’s all ! Who cares if the neighbours don’t open the front room curtains all day. Who cares if someone chooses to walk 5k in black stilettos or order a green salad and sparkling water when out for a meal.  Who knows that these people haven’t been up all night with sick kids, or have eaten enough for three earlier in the day.  Each to their own. Your positive mindset will make all the difference if you set it to positive when you hop out of bed every morning.

Needs must and top of the “to do” list upgrade the laptop that will make it a kids free zone and a bloggers paradise for Mom ! Have lots of posts started but (being interrupted by kids can’t be an excuse) I think it’s storage space or lack of it is slowing it down along with the 7 year old asking if he can “Google MacGregor Mom” … I think I asked him at this point if he learnt about Google ar scoil. So Yes big plans to do at least one blog post a week so if it’s not happening people get onto me give me the nudge …

There’s the whole matter of the bedside locker – cant even take a picture to show you its so bad.  Just samples of beauty products piling up amongst a few biros, a nail varnish, a notebook, water, phone, few pain killers and anything else that I think I might need. Biggest challenge for me tomorrow night will be to leave the technology – phone included downstairs when I retreat for beauty sleep.

Getting a job too is a must if I’m to keep buying ingredients for all this cooking ! After 15 years in the one office chair it’s time for some self growth and self development

That’s it in a nutshell … No list … no start date … But a happy, healthier life embracing all life has to offer. I hope 2016 brings you all the same and I’m taking this chance to thank you all for your support and looking forward to much more … Who knows what lies ahead

Salmon and Potato Gratin

I hit one of those moments this morning when I decided I was sick of making the same ole same ole for dinner.  So after a of browsing and concocting in my head I’ve come up with this dish.  Its currently in the oven.  Here’s hoping I get it all down on paper as it were before I’m called away by hungry little men.

Ingredients.

3 salmon fillets

4 large potatoes (I used Roosters)

Few florets of brocolli

Cup of frozen peas

1 veg stock cube dissolved in 150 mls of water

Some grated cheese to sprinkle over the top.

The recipe I found had cream in it so I knew my boys wouldn’t go with that so I used about three heaped desertspoonfuls of Philadelphia Garlic and Herb Cooking sauce instead.

 

Method

1.  Dissolve your stock cube in water so it can be cooling.
2. Peel and slice the spuds into about 5mm thickness, bring to the boil and then leave simmer for 5 mins.  Watch the time here – because they’re sliced so thinly they cook quite quickly.  Strain

Place a layer of the sliced spuds on the end of pyrex dish,  scatter with brocolli and peas.  I suppose you could add any veg you like.  Spread the salmon over the top and layer with a final layer of spuds.

 

The stock cube in water should be cooled a little by now.  Add in the Philadelphia cooking sauce and stir for a few minutes to combine.  Pour over the contents of the pyrex dish.

 

 

Sprinkle with grated cheese

Into oven 190 degrees – 50 mins to an hour.

Pray they eat it .

RESULT

WIN WIN MOM

Beauty & the Blogger

In my humble opinion … For what it’s worth
Evening lovely ladies … So I’ve been at this blogging craic for just over 6 months ✏️ Have been quite for a few weeks but will be back✏️ and after a few days of telling myself I really need to clear out the drawers in my ensuite today I finally got around to it … My God ladies the amount of beauty products that have accumulated (foc might I add) is simply unbelievable. I’m now wondering if the Fear an Phoist thinks I’m smuggling ufo’s in the back door !

Bearing in mind that I started this caper (blogging that is and not smuggling) in order to connect with other Moms who like me … Either have a house full of men and no daily dose of ‘pink” or simply want to enjoy or indulge in all things nice in their own spare time (sitting on the toilet in a hide for some of us – ha!)
Some days I open the post and wow yes that smells lovely can’t wait to try it vibes or … Phew that’s strong what’s in that … Did I ever even think packaging could have such a positive or negative effect on me ! Some things that don’t interest me at all ! I have learnt one thing though – sticky hand cream does not float my boat !

Did I ever realise that the beauty industry is bursting at the seams with all sorts and 40 shades of contouring for this or that. There are surely people employed by the big beauty brands to do nothing but send out sample product.

Down here in the back ass of this beautiful county do I really give a shit about which shade of charcoal eye liner gel goes with a particular number makeup brush … Puleassse … If the gang around here saw me with eyeshadow they’d think … Where’s she going ! Whereas in thinking I’m diva of the day if I’ve managed it … And with a sweep of my finger across my eyelid at that !
Am I ranting … I didn’t mean to … I guess it’s just I didn’t realise there was soooo much out there …. Don’t get me wrong I do love my cosmetics and potion and lotion myself as much as the rest of you !

Beauty bloggers must have a field day! I must admit I do love when a Bloggers Goodie Bag has something a bit different, for example we got samples of the tasty Solaris Tea at a recent event and cone on what Momma doesn’t love her cupán take !

So yes ladies I’ve discovered some real gems, flung out some serious shit and anything I haven’t opened I’ve put all to one side for a big giveaway before Xmas … Your pressie to yourself …. Watch this space beautiful people.

Next clean out job … The hot press and I really don’t think you want a blog post on that mess !

Elaine, x

Putting the VaVa back in Voom with the ITWBN

I’m not so sure how this post is going to go because right now this minute my head could explode !

To make a long story short – maybe many long stories before I’m done !

So the company we both worked for was put into liquidation back in July and on Friday last BOOM – we got the word – our jobs were gone.  A seriously emotional day for an emotional person, you have no idea.  But we have to get up this morning (jobless with a kitchen table full of paperwork) and say ok lets move on.  Let’s do up the CV’s and lets just try hard to put the past behind us but its not easy after 15 years for me and 38 for himself.  Ok ok forget the place.

So I was down Friday, ok Saturday and was between two minds on whether I’d rise out of it early on Sunday & take myself to Galway for afternoon tea with the @ITWBN blogging babes at the 5* Glenlo Abbey Hotel 😋

I haven’t written a blog post since that fateful Friday night back in July when Mr Liquidator was on the road to West Kerry so I was hoping Sunday’s trip would “light my fire” again ! There were times throughout August & September when I thought lets just close this account & forget it, times (strangest of times) that I’d have a ding ding moment of “that’d make a great blog post” and definitely moments of why bother – who gives a shit !

So I waved goodbye & pulled out @ 8.30am … Quick coffee in Newcastlewest & landed in the Glenlo Abbey hotel at 12.15 … Just in time for the 12.30 start … Wow … Why haven’t I heard much about this place,  stunning and I mean STUNNNING location ! Looking out on the lake, 5 mins drive from the city centre, great looking golf (whatever great looking golf is), the train as pictured is their “Pullman Restaurant” (cool or what) & greeted with a cocktail (sans alcohol).

Sat down with Emer O’Grady makeup artist (watch out for a woman with a vision & going places & by the way who was able to tell me all about my own brothers wedding 2 years ago – small world)   and Jessica Cooke who runs her own Health & Fitness Business in Galway !

From the very start it was just great to talk with like minded people, bloggers from all different walks of life. Thrilled to meet Sinead (clicked immediately – Yummy Mummy Supreme!) How she juggles it all is amazing and Saidbh who was so good with putting names with faces  ! Im sure Sinead and I could’ve talked all day, so inspiring! Sinead and Saidbh have really seen an opening and are ahead of the game when it comes to Bloggers Collaboration.

Here I am with Sinead Carroll aka Yummy Mummy

Also had the pleasure to finally meet Mrs Dillons Diary, always follow Orla Sheridan on FB and when I spotted her it was like ohhh wow – here we are !

Yours truly, Orla Sheridan Personal Stylist and Mrs Dillions Diary

But what about the main attraction – fellow Kerry woman Erika Fox aka Retro Flame ! It would be rude not to say Hi ! Her blog name just so suits her ! She’s so down to earth for someone who has worked with so many stars ! She spoke so passionately and eloquently from the heart, answered all the questions and encouraged everyone ! I could’ve listened to her all day. Nothing fazed her.

Erika Fox – Retro Flame

I also met people that were only beginning their blogging journey … If it’s what you want Go for it ! Check out @CoolRhubarb ! Styled by Dree was there – I could tell we were like minded style wise, grace Daniels Cakes Kerry woman living in Galway & of course Lisa from Beauty Fashion Fitness who told me I can schedule posts … Like hellooooo where has this been all my life ! Best thing I learnt on the day – this is going to make me wayyy more efficient ! Since our afternoon gathering Erika has been listed as one of the most influential Irish Bloggers in New York’s Digital and Technology industries and prior to her return was announced as Kerry’s Best Young Entrpreneur 2015 👍🏻✅.  Glenbeigh Abú

Lots of Blog posts to be written on all of the lovely goodies that were in here

Well known designers were chosen as the table names.

Oodles has been written about the stunning venue, the fantastic goodie bags (more to follow on these), the amazing spread, the table names really impressed me ! The Glenlo Abbey -how impressive as was the Solaris Tea who treated us on the day.  We also had the opportunity to browse some stalls.  St Morritz taking a great hit from the girls but most of all it was you the company … The @ITWBN babes.

  When it was finally over some were retreating to the reserved area in the bar for the rugby match as I pulled out for the 4 hour journey home with my head spinning – the only thing between me and my blogging thoughts was the blinding setting sun as I turned back west – happy in myself that I was finally back thinking blogging thoughts 😀😀

To all the ITWBN girls ........ thank you all !  We are some team !

SPÁ Atlantach – Seaweed Baths

So lets be truthful I’ve known this new Spa is in the making for the past few months & it’s the one Blog post I’ve been looking forward to writing.

Well boy was I pleasantly suprised. Doors were opened last weekend and the story quickly went around the village that the “place over” was fab.

 So the lads went to an U21 game on Friday evening and I took myself off for a visit to Christiana who I was reliably informed would spend the evening spoiling me.  Gorgeous tones of walnuts and sand colour interiors complimented by the whiff of scented candles and cleverly designed interiors.  Mirrored doors bringing the outside back inside and unrivaled views of the Wild Atlantic Way.  The buzz word in the west of Ireland at the moment and right on our back door step.

Evening Sunset view from the SPA in Baile na nGall

In I went & clad myself in a luxurious white robe and proceeded to the bath. Seaweed in a bucket of hot water at 45deg greeted me which was added to a bath of warm water to which I adjusted to suit myself. Single or double bath experience available if you want to bring himself along for the “time together”

Christiana reliable informed me of the benefits of seaweed, of which there are many, most notably that it takes the bad shit out and lets the good stuff in.  The vitamins and minerals that we get from the seaweed. Christiana works with products from the Irish Company Green Angel and has power shots or scrubs available to either relax, rejuvenate or treat problem skin available.  Other Green Angel products are available to buy also.

Green Angel Products available for Sale

20 mins is the minimum one should give themselves to get the metabolism working and boy it sure does. The steam from the water, the moisturising properties or the seaweed on the skin, the calming music and fabulous & spectacular ceiling lights that glimmer and change colour all make it one hell of a feel good experience. I just loved the taste of the sea water when I licked my lips.

Amazing ceiling feature that changes colour as you enjoy your Seaweed experience

As she says herself its like floating in the Atlantic – just warmer ! 

From my bath I crossed the hall for my back neck & shoulder massage. Christiana’s wealth of knowledge in all things “body beneficial” astounded me ! She brings her experience from the top SPA resorts of Austria right here to our own doorstep and can offer

✅ Reflexology

✅ Hot & Cold Stone Massage

✅ Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Π Dorn Therapy – to locate and ease back-problems, straighten up the spine.  A special technique to push back the parts of the spine to their original positions for a straighter back.

Head Massage, Masssage to balance the Chakras, clear the head, Detoxing, Energising, Strengthening you name it, all sorts.

Christiana has a huge amount of experience. It is not expensive and great value for money.

Luxury, feel good factor and benefits to ones well being all in one ! I for one will definitely be back for more.

Tomás picking seaweed in Muirioch back in March to use in the garden as feed for his veg !

Now we’re at Golf – What next

So my wonderful two boys are football mad … or should I say sports mad.  The eldest cannot cope with wet weather.  Outdoors with a ball or a hurley as much as he can.

Payday Pennies June

Ok Momsies … Admit it … We love em …. Why …. Because they cover a multitude 💃

What am I talking about … well its the Maxi of course.  There is a maxi dress out there for everyone … Every shape make design & colour, halter necks, round neck, v neck, side split, thick strap, skinny strap, boob tube, shoulder out, shoulder in, straight, A line, floaty, Printed, stripes, polka dots or flowers and on and on and on …

I’ve just chosen a few favourites to share and team them with flats, wedges or flip flops depending where your off to !

Oasis Black Maxi. Love its simplicity. Team with flats or gladiators in silver or gold. Team with wedges for a night out

Love this royal blue with side splits from Littlewoods for €39

Definitely one for the beach. Tropical Maxi from Boohoo for €24

No matter what you decide to wear out and about this summer its always handy to have a white cardigan to throw on if the evening gets cold.  Although I must admit I am a bit OTT when it comes to minding my cardigan – I have visions of a small messy hand with a lump of seaweed catching me or when someone needs a hug after tears and  the stain is right there on the shoulder for all to see !  And all I do is fret about whether the stain will come out.

Savida White Cardigan from Dunnes Stores

Complete the look 

Asos Sandals €89

Wedges from Tommy Hilfiger online