Babies are funny

We had a stir fry at dinner today which included big chunks of red peppers. Once dinner was served our little baby guest kept pointing at the dish saying..."Elmo, Elmo"  He thought we were eating pieces of Elmo. How sad... Hubby didn't help matters by making loud eating noises and patting his belly ; /

So fresh and so clean, clean

Like the early 2000's throwback in the title? Thought you would!

Yesterday, I re-discovered the most delicious smelling soap ever in Avoca.  I actually discovered the brand Nesti Dante last year when a co-worker came back from an Italian visit. He brought back little soaps for myself and a team member, and I've been obsessed with the scent every since! The one I received is the Olivio e Mandarino. It smells like summer and if you live in rainy Ireland like I do, it's necessary to brighten up your days.

If you're near Avoca, you must pop in to smell/buy it.

Life at it's finest

 I had visitors this week and we had such a blast in the Dublin sun. Seriously, it was like a fine summer's day.

I started off picking them up in the airport. Welcome to Dublin! Super prepared with his bright yellow wellies...

I rented a fab car see below... Me? In a mini van? Who would have thought my life style would change so drastically.

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We had a great time driving around in this monstracity through Dun Laoghiare on Saturday and Sally's Gap and Glendalough on Sunday. Imagine me - driving on the wrong side of the road, with precious cargo in the backseat, on narrow, narrow Irish country roads (and SHEEP!!! ON THE ROAD!!!). I was soo tense. But .... we got pretty pictures...that's all that matters, right?

Into the mystic

Glendalough

Monastary City in Glendalough

The Lake 

Playing Cars

Start Panicking!

So... I got an email reminder about this dreadful event that I'll be participating in in just a few short days. The half marathon. EKKS!

I've been keeping quiet about my training because frankly, I have not been training. Last night, I went for a run for the FIRST TIME outside since oh I don't know LAST March. I was scared, but actually I didn't hate my life.

I ran 6km in FIVE minutes less then I normally run but I don't think I can do that at least 3 more times. I really regret not training for it :(

TEN DAYS!!! How is that possible? 

Life at it's finest

This weekend, Dublin was alight with sunshine! Hubby and I took advantage of this and spent the weekend walking around and enjoying the sunny but brisk weather. Some of my favorites from this weekend.

We walked along the river in Clonskeagh while car shopping on Saturday.

And then headed over to Sandycove looking for lunch which is where I spotted this gorgeous church.

Afterwards, we went grocery shopping and I found the best hummus in the world from Tesco! I seriously cannot get enough of this stuff, but it's very rare that they have it in stock. It was a happy day on Saturday when I found him. I have been known to eat spoonfuls of this amazingness.

Then on Sunday, I had a lovely girly brunch complete with mimosas on the balcony in the sun.

Hubby discovered over the weekend that he likes old people music. This song was on repeat in the house all weekend. Randomly, he found a showing of Andrea Bocelli in Central Park on tv. We spent Sunday evening watching it over and over. 

I hope you had a lovely, relaxing weekend! 

Relaxing Friday

This week I discovered the relaxation room on my floor at work. It's tucked up in the back corner of the office. How did I not know this existed before?

I booked a meeting with a colleague in the room this AM. This was my view as I discussed some project plans while sitting in my massage chair. Pretty sweet, no?

I may go back this afternoon...a little treat for me after spending hours in the land of pivot tables.

First Date

Did you enjoy your Valentine's day? Hubby and I ended up just getting take out and watching bad tv, but my little baby nephew went on a first date. There pictures are just too cute not to share. 

Boyfriend and Girlfriend holding hands

Slow dancing

  

Kisses xoxo

The honeymoon is OVER! 

Happy Heart Day!

Look what I got in the mail yesterday. Just in time for Valentine's day. A love note from my favourite baby. I love how teeny, tiny it is.

The front

Here's a close up of the adorableness

Yes, he's wearing a "Dr. Love" shirt

And the inside

Flowers? For me? 

Happy Valentine's day dear readers! I hope you have a brilliant day planned. It's our first Valentine's day as a married couple and we're not doing anything but our normal dinner and watching TV, but isn't there something comforting in doing the same thing every day? (Comforting or boring?)

Also if you have time, check out the Google Doodle today. It's beyond adorable!

Life at it's finest

Another Monday morning post. It's nice and sunny today so my mood is much improved especially since I had such a lovely relaxing weekend. Things that make me happy...


Spicy Baked Green Beans.

I made these for lunch yesterday. They are yummy and pretty healthy. I really liked the crunch of these green beans. Hubby didn't enjoy them as much asking " Why are they covered in bread crumbs? Green beans are fine as they are". This coming from a boy who boils his potatoes, carrots and broccoli into oblivion. He's no food connoisseur. 

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Car Shopping 

We went car shopping over the weekend. It was really fun and felt very grown up for some reason. I really want this...

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But the need for a convertible in oh-so-sunny Ireland is really non-existent :( so I think we're leaning towards something more like this: 

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A Honda Civic Hybrid. Even the background picture looks like Ireland. Unless it's a convertible, I really don't care too much what kind of car we get. I just want to pick the color (Silver or black). We're thinking we'll get one at the end of the month. Can't wait! 

Sunday Reading 

I spent all day Sunday on the couch watching bad tv and reading this

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I'm half way through and it's pretty good. It's not as gripping as other books (Hunger Games, the help) that I've read recently, and it jumps back and forth between different time and places. I find myself flipping back often because I didn't pay careful attention the first time. I'm halfway through though and will keep ploughing on. 

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Summer Holiday Dreaming

Hubby and I booked our summer trip to Italy this weekend, and I can't stop dreaming about it.... Food, wine and gelato in the sun? I can't wait!

We're going for hubby's best man's wedding, who has rented out a villa in Tuscany. Look at the villa. Swoon! If I had to redo my wedding in a completely different style then the one we had, I would definitely do it this way. AMAZING!

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I'm also going to force hubby to go to two places with me while we're hanging out in the villa. 

Saturnia's thermal springs... I've never been in a thermal spring before. (I did pass by some in New Zealand, and I know they smell like rotten eggs from the sulphur. Can't wait!) 

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AND... the Prada outlet. I was talking to the bride and she mentioned that there is one close to the villa. I'm saving my pretty pennies for this one (although I'm sure I'll be disappointed).

Aside from the wedding, we'll also be wandering the streets of Venice, Rome, Florence and Siena. (I know it's a lot of places in 9 days, but we get bored easily if we don't move around a lot). 

Have you been to Italy? Any recommendations? Let me know! 

Tuesday night dinner party

It was my turn to host the gals for dinner last night. I haven't cooked for them since August. I'm a bad friend.

Recently, I've been pinning away all kinds of gorgeous (and easy!) recipes to try with the gals and last night I attempted three different new recipes, plus one of my mother's old favourites.

I took pictures but I'm a terrible photographer. My pictures make my food look not-so-edible (even though it was!). Below are the recipes I tried out on the gals.

Appetizer- Carmelised Apple & Onion Mini tarts
These were really easy to make and tasted DELICIOUS! Not only did people go for seconds, they went for thirds. YUM!

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Main meal - Com Tham Bi - Momma's recipe.
This is a traditional Vietnamese dish that features shredded pork over rice. I didn't have the pork chop on the side like the picture below. I seriously got repetitive stress issues in my wrist making this dish :)

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Dessert 1 - Chocolate and Peanut Butter Banana Bites 

I made these over the weekend just because I wanted to try out the recipe. It was good and since it had bananas, also healthy, right? :) 

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Dessert 2- Saltine Cracker Toffee

This is such an easy recipe to follow. I've made it on several occasions before and each time it's been received with welcome arms. I made so much and didn't want it around the house so sent them home with one of my friends for her roommates. Their reviews... "Divine", "Fantastic", "Best thing I've tasted in my life." No joke. They are that good. 

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Life at it's finest

Mondays are rough for me. I find it really hard to get going after a relaxing weekend. So I'm going to start a regular Monday post to keep me upbeat, remind me of happy things or just feature things that make me laugh. Starting today.

I found this on Pinterest this morning, and now I'm obsessed. I'm not even looking at you Cartier Love bracelet... Look at the tiny skull bracelet. Add to cart. It's made by Iwona Ludyga. Do you see how the designer's name sounds like "I wanna" - That's some pretty good subliminal messaging...

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Hilarious!

I found this guy in my fridge this morning. Oh happy days! Not super sweet like a 7Up or Sprite, but not made with fake sugar. Sign me up! 

Jenny Packham - of wedding and Kate Middleton fame- has announced a high street collaboration with Debenham's, a department stores in Ireland and the UK. I can't wait to see the designs. The first glimpse is pretty (maybe not something I would wear), but it's Jenny Packham!!! Take that Jason Wu from Target! 

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Super sports day

Did you guys sit on your couch all day like we did?

Ireland v Wales rugby, then Man United v Chelsea soccer and then the Superbowl! Woop!

We watched all of the games except for the Superbowl. It started at 11:30 our time. Way to late and how could I possibly eat chicken wings at that hour? I did wake up to use the bathroom at 3:40 (TMI?) and took a sneaky look at the scores. I HATE the Pats and more specifically slutty slut Tom Brady (I'm still not over the whole baby momma/supermodel drama). I couldn't fall back asleep just thinking about how they lost...woop! So cruel!

Hope you all enjoyed the sports day!

Surprise Package

Look what came in the mail today!!! The long version of our wedding video. Can you see the "review" below?

"The ultimate romantic comedy" - Friends and family. Har Har!

You know what I'll be doing this weekend! (Besides watching rugby AND soccer AND American Football!)