Talk Talk

Today When I showed a work colleague a photo of my new "Trista" Olive bowl he said that it reminded him of the work of James Marsh.  My colleague is a big fan of the band Talk Talk and he went on to tell me how James Marsh designed most of their album covers.

He then produced a book called "Spirit of Talk Talk".  It is mainly about the band but the last chapter details the work of James Marsh.

The art work really is stunning!  I can understand why my colleague thought there was similarities.  Both artist's work are quite whimsical and are very brightly coloured.

My colleague showed me the back of the book where his name is listed.  He gave a contribution and agreed to buy a copy of this book before it was published.  

Off to the post office....

Yesterday when I returned from work I found a note from the postman saying that he had missed me and to call to the post office in Rathmines to collect a delivery.

Expecting a letter I set off on my bike for the post office this morning.  I had to laugh when I saw the postman bring a very large box to the counter.  When I laughingly told him I was on my bike he said I could come back later but I said it was ok that I would manage.

I also said that I wasn't expecting any large packages and I wondered what it was.  He looked at it and said it was from Pennsylvania.  "Ah", I said, "I know who that is from".  He then looked at it again and said "Well don't look here if you don't want to discover what it is until you open it".  Lol.  I didn't look!

When I got out to the bike yard I attempted to put the box in my panniers.  No joy!

Then I remembered that I had a bungee cord on my carrier.  I strapped on the box and I was away.

When I got home I excitedly began to open the box.  At the top were two cute postcards of scenes of Amish life with two lovely notes on the back.

Inside the wrapping were two very well wrapped packages.

Inside the smaller package were two clay olives - this might give you an idea what was in the bigger package.  One of the notes on the postcard warned us not to eat them that they were pottery - thanks Alan for preventing what could have been a serious accident!!

And finally I got to the larger package and opened it to find the most magnificent olive dish by artist Trista Depp Chapman (a favourite artist of my friend Pam in Pennsylvania).  Pam & Alan had visited the  Mt. Gretna Art Show two weekends ago and Trista had been displaying her work.  

Look how great the dish looks on my black kitchen countertop!  It's hard to see but the two pottery olives are in the dish for display when not it use - what a great concept!

But I think it looks best on the bar!

Here's contact information for Trista Depp Chapman, you can also see more of her work here here

How quaint are these Amish families?

Thanks so much Pam & Alan, I love the dish - I feel like inviting friends straightaway over and serving snacks right out of it!!

How wonderful to have an original piece of artwork from Fredericksburg, Virginia sitting in my house in Dublin, Ireland!

Low carb lobster roll

My friend gave me a tip for low carb lobster roll.  Scoop out the bready centre of the roll before making as usual. 

Do you have any tips for low carb dining?

Look how good it looks!!

Thanks to my friends in the USA for the tip and the great pic.......oh and also thanks for making my mouth water!!

50,000 and counting!!!

Wow, 50,000 hits on my blog!

When I started out blogging I never imagined that I would be getting on average 100 hits a day to my blog.  I've had readers from Toyko to the USA to Oman!

It is not only hits on my blog that I enjoy.  Blogging has given me a group of blogs that I read regularly.  From food blogs to interior design blogs to yoga blogs, I enjoy them all.  I also follow blogs written in rural USA where homeschooling children and canning food is all a part of everyday life.  The world has been opened up to me by blogging - possibly by more than any other social media I use.

I appreciate every single reader - here's to 50,000 more hits!!

The above is a picture of Bones sitting on the bench outside Er Buchetto in Ranelagh

Great class!

This morning I took a Bikram class with my twin sister.  It was incredible!  I felt so strong in certain positions.  Derek was taking the class and gave me some great tips for correcting my poses.  

I bought a pineapple coconut water from reception.  It was such a treat having it during my practice.  I joke that pineapple coconut water tastes like the cocktail "Sex on the beach"! 

Here I am before class 

And then after 90 mins (I've taken a few minutes to cool down so I am not a complete sweaty mess).

Drury Street is a kooky little studio with a great atmosphere - I love it!

How great is this view from the studio - it's the roof of George's Street Market.  To the bottom left of the photo you can also see the sign for Fade Street Social Restaurant.

And walking home we stopped off for good coffee in The Humble Bean on Camden Street.

Bikram - Drury Street

I signed up for a month of Bikram yoga in the Dublin City Centre location in Drury street this evening. It was my first time going to this studio and I thought it was good.  There were windows in the studio which was surprising but made for a nice view when I was in savasna. 

I didn't feel great during the class so nipped to the bathroom where I promptly sat on the bench as the room began to spin.  After a few mins I splashed cold water on my face and the back of my neck and then made my way back in to the hot room.  Phew!  I was sooo glad to get through the class without fainting (particularly after I had fainted the last time I was in Harold's Cross).  

It was an amazing class with such positive energy - I can't wait to go back!!

My sister then made me a healthy (somewhat!) dinner of quinoa and salmon.  Delish!

What a super energizing day....

Coffee & great service

Whether you like Starbucks coffee or not it is hard to disagree that here in Ireland, they have amazing staff.  It is the one place that you will always get a friendly greeting and service with a smile. Being a regular means my coffee order is remembered and I love being wished a good day as I head off to work after picking up my coffee.

You would think all of the above would happen automatically in all shops but it is quite incredible the bad service that can occur in Ireland.  Shop assistants talking to each other and ignoring you can be common (seems to mainly be a trait of Dunnes staff) or the cost of your purchases being grunted at you without so much as a "Please".  

There are many businesses in Ireland that could learn a thing or two from the staff of Starbucks (particularly the staff of the busy Blanchardstown Centre branch who are excellent).  

Service with a smile (along with a consistent product) breeds repeat customers which improves business.

Wake up and smell the coffee (geddit!) businesses of Ireland.  Look to the Starbucks model and avoid the Ryanair route!