Skull Vodka

I've seen Skull Vodka for sale in the States.  It looks very cool and I think it would make a great table centerpiece at Halloween Parties.

I never knew it was created by Dan Aykroyd though - I just read it in my trashy magazine!!!

Smartie goes through the wringer

Testing times for the Smart Car

Every 2 years we have to take our cars to be tested to ensure they are roadworthy and safe.  The testing takes place in NCT centres all over the country.

Your car's emissions get checked along with lots of other things.  I really hate when the put my car up on a piece of machinery and shake it all about!

Why do all the staff get such a laugh from my power machine?! It always gets a lot of attention!!!

I should mention that I paid €55 for the pleasure  of getting my car prodded.  Then they found an issue with my lights so I have to come back after getting them fixed for a retest which will cost me €28.  I have the car booked in to the garage this Friday but I can't get a retest until 3 weeks and the only appointment available was on Sunday.....*Groan*

I will see if I can get a more suitable date on a cancellation.  

Does your government test your car like this?

BTW, my fail issue was very minor - some cars are deemed unroadworthy and the owners aren't allowed drive them home!!!

House Beautiful UK

Our house is featured in the July Edition of House Beautiful UK which is on sale now. 

Click here to look at some of the pictures.

It's a 5 page layout and I think the house looks great!

Ironworks

I love to see plants peeping though iron gates and railings.  It softens the look of the ironworks and beautifies the area.

Here are some pictures of some railings that I saw today in the Dublin 6 region.

It was a lovely sunny day - don't the flowers look pretty?

Pulled pork

Here is how I made a Pulled Pork Sandwich.
1.  Popped a loin of pork in to the slow cooker for 4 hrs.
2.  After this time smoother the meat in BBQ sauce.
3.  Cook on low for 8 hours more.
4.  Shred in a bowl and add more BBQ sauce.
5.  Pop into a bread roll and voila!

The Hopsack

This is The Hopsack in the Swan Centre in Rathmines (in Dublin).  It's a really great health store that sells a full range of health food, organic food, natural cosmetics and even chemical free cleaning products. 

We browsed around for a few minutes but only bought some refreshing Chi Coconut Water (this was the first time I saw this brand) - but I think they also sold Vita Coconut Water and maybe also Zico Coconut Water.  Pineapple Vita Coconut Water is my facourite. 

I will go back later during the week to get some natural laundry washing powder and maybe a bar of organic chocolate!

There is so much to see in this store, they have a huge range of products.  You could easily lose yourself for an hour or so.  

I like the concept of Meat Free Monday!  What a great start to the working week - I may try it.

If you regularly take energy gels you can make your own by adding a spoonful of Chia Seeds to a shot of Coconut Water.  Leave for 10 minutes then knock it back!

Cobbler

I called to the cobbler to pick up my boots which I had left in to get new soles and heeled.  He did such a good job - they are like new!!

I don't generally get my shoes reheeled or resoled but I really like these boots and I was not in the mood to shop for a new pair so it was just easier to get them fixed up.   In total, it cost 30 euro.