Our trip to Dingle Ocean World

 

We were waiting eagerly for a few weeks for Ocean World to open for the New Season as we (the boys really) knew there was a new exhibition and the guessing game started every time we passed in the car ! They were watching the door like Hawks from the back seat so off we headed on their recent open day.  

From the outset they loved it -granted they have been there before but that doesn’t change the wonder and awe of all the different sea life species. From the Sharks to the Penguins, the Otters and the Sharks they learn something new every time.

This time round they loved the Tortoise or is he a turtle ? As they get older there’s always something else that interests them. I suppose learning about Antartic Explorer Tom Crean in Scoil gave them a huge interest in the Penguins room and seeing the video of the Antartic made it near to impossible to drag the older fella away 😀 The creepy crawlies just freaked me.

The staff there are so knowledgable and interact with the kids – they got to hold the Star Fish and learned all about it and were on hand to answer any questions the kids had.  

This years new otter exhibit takes it outdoors with seating areas and lads a room for buggies. As you continue on through the experience one walks through a glass tunnel fish tank which is amazing and from there on passed the resident pirate and out into the shop. Beyond that you can have a coffee in the cafe or the kids can gave their face painted.

 

Family rates are available and you can also get an all day pass and call back at the different feeding times.  Car park is just across the road.  Kids or no kids Oceanworld is someplace you must visit if you are touring the Dingle Peninsula.

Enjoy

E 

 

 

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

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

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.

Ionad an Blascaoid

Kids in this house get a treat of Diet Coke twice a year.  On Christmas Day and on the day of the Summer Holidays from school … so today was the day.  They also get to decide where to  go and suprisingly they choose the same as last year … the Ionad an Blasocaid Centre in Dun Chaoin.  http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/blascaod/

Ditching the Porridge for the Summer Hols

Bricfeasta – the most important meal of the day they say.  Over the past few days I’ve found myself saying to himself – getting sick of this porridge.  I’m looking down it and all I’m getting back is “Nah” !

I can safely say I’ve had porridge 300 out of the last 365 days and I’m usually good to spruce it up.  I am the traditional type when it comes to porridge.  Make it with water the night before and leave it steeping.  I always add something to my porridge, whether it’s fruit or Granola or a few Chia seeds.  I must admit I’m gone off grapes lately.

Now the kids get holidays on Monday, life will be a “little” bit more relaxed.  Note I stress the word little.  I’ll probably be tearing my hair out by 1st August.

So here are just a few alternatives I’m going to try and include for himself and the two boys over the next few weeks (10 weeks to be exact ! I get a shiver just typing it !)

For starters, especially at weekends the boys in our house will be gone down the stairs before I’m out of the shower ! I’ve given you a run down on himself in the morning on my Fathers Day piece so forget that  ! Read it here http://onlychickinthehouse.com/2015/06/18/fathers-day/ Enough said ! I do like to let the odd roar for them to eat before they head outdoors.  Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t.  I have seen the small lad hold an apple between his teeth kicking the ball out of his had before 7.30a.m.

1.  Get the kids involved in making a smoothie the night before.  At least if they pour a glass before they head out you know they have something on board.  We’re loving watermelon, strawberries and blueberries in our house at the moment.  Sometimes I put in a drop of Almond Milk.

Watermelon, Strawberry & Blueberry Smoothie

2. Blitz some Raspberries with some natural yougurt, pour into a bowl and top with sliced banana and Chia Seeds (I love this one )

3.  For a weekend treat or late breakfast try this novel way with your rashers and eggs.  How impressed would your in-laws be when they’re on hols when you produce this ! Grill some mushrooms and spinach on the side.

Use your ramekin dish for this one. Very easy to do

4.  Scrambled Egg on a slice of McCambridge toasted is always nice I think.  Grill some tomatoes.  I often have it for lunch.

5.  Another treat, which the boys love, is a toasted pancake (the small ones) with some Nutella spread on top.

6.  Finally there’s always a cereal box in  the back of the press and admit it they do come in handy for children.  Just read the label and make sure you choose wisely.

Would love to hear any other breakfast ideas you have for kids over the holidays.

E

Fathers Day

So here it is … right at us …next Sunday lunch time !

Just June

Over the past few days I’ve realised that once the 1st of June comes my mind suddenly takes on a whole new, sometimes panic ridden, state of mind ! 📆

It starts with a mental note of remembering to send one & only Sis a birthday card ! This year the boys drew her their fave Tipp players ! Bonner & Bubbles featured highly ! They love to draw especially when they can choose what to draw ! Colouring something for the Obair Bhaile doesn’t bring as much satisfaction ! ✏️

Then the mental note changes somewhat. The school holidays are in three weeks time !

1. Will the knees in the trousers last another three weeks ?

2. What summer camps will they do ? Will they be knackered & crazy if they do two weeks in a row?

  

3. Will the zip in his lunch bag last ?

4. Will the vests see it out ?

5. When are they going back to school ?

For those who aren’t teachers by profession themselves sometimes the thoughts of the summer holidays can be quite daunting. Even for those who only work part time ! Like in this house neither of us are free all summer long ! Of course how I wish I could be but the cookie just didn’t crumble that way !

So once we’ve decided what camps they’ll do then we (hubby & I) will take alternate weeks off !

The eldest wants to see Croke Park Museum ! He’s 7 ! Will we tie it in with a match ? When is the Munster a Final on ? Hurling or Football he replies ! Oh Jesus how am I going to sort it all out in my head !

 My boys don’t have school uniforms and I am fully  aware that the point in their lives where they will refuse point blank to put on anything other than a tracksuit is not far off so I like to keep them in a trousers or even jeans even for four days of the week at school. Now we’re at the time of the year where I’m willing them to last until the last school bell.

As for the vests.  Come on what mother has a good relationship with kids vests.  I can’t cope, they stretch, they pull, they fade, the hem rips and the threads hang out.  Doesn’t matter where you buy them, Dunnes, Penny’s, Heatons, M&S, it happens them all. So mid winter I find myself asking the question – are these providing heat. They are in their ass ! Last week in August you’ll find me in search of my yearly supply of vests.

 Weren’t the R&D people in Pennys up bright and early when they got in the good old body warmers at a cheap and cheerful 8 quid compared to the prices in the Sports Shops.  I will admit we bought them – tops and leggings – for rugby in the winter but we quickly got more use out of them.  They’re a godsend and even these days when they don’t want to wear coats just sleeveless hoodies at least when they have their body warmers on I feel there some bit warm.

We have two weddings between now and the 1st of August.  I think I’m sorted for a “frock” for both.  One on his side of the family and one on mine ! Who’s going to mind the kids these days.  I have Nan and Grandad sorted for one but they’re going to the other wedding.  Right.  Thinking cap on again.

Weddings equals fake tan, hair and makeup.  All going to be homemade but I am on the lookout for the “in” shade of pink nail varnish that I’ve spotted lately.  Who’ll find that for me because I certainly not going to find it in good old Ballydavid.

 
Need Navy court shoes.  Have you any idea ladies how hard it is to get a good pair of Navy leather heels ! Right need to sort that too.
I think I’ve thought enough about what I need to think about over the next three months.

 All I have to do now is sail smoothly through it.

Wish me luck !

Elaine

Time out at Ballyseedy Garden Centre

Hi Peeps,

Just a short post on where I ended up on my own lately… At Ballyseedy Garden Centre just a mile from Tralee town on the main road in and out of the county for the majority of travellers.