Black out

We had a rare power outage yesterday evening about 7pm.  It was quite windy, wet and stormy so perhaps this was the reason.

Luckily I had just popped some popcorn in the microwave as the power went.  I found candles in a kitchen drawer using Ciaran's torch on his iPhone which had 3% battery power left.

In our last house we had a gas stove which meant we were always able to boil a pot of water and make pasta when the electricity went off.  We now have an electric induction hob so we no longer can do this.

We just sat and chatted and ate our popcorn until the power came back.  It was nice and relaxing really!

What do you do when there is a power cut?

Kildare Village Designer Outlet

After Newbridge we went on to Kildare Village.  It is a really quaint outlet shopping centre and looked very Christmassy with the buildings lit up.

There are lots stores including Reiss, Karen Millen, French Connection and Samsonite.

We had a quick browse in Coach but didn't buy anything.

We didn't buy anything in Le Creuset either.

I bought a dress in Tommy Hilfiger on clearance for €35 marked down from €170 - bargain!

Here's an image of the dress (worn by a model)

I also got this new shampoo and conditioner which I have just used!

Made by Hask of the USA the shampoo has Argan oil from Morocco in it.  The conditioner is made with keratin protein.

You would not believe how good my hair feels and smells after using them!!  I highly recommend them.  The conditioner is thick and luxuriant and nearly like a hair mask and the shampoo smells divine. I bought these products in Penneys so if you want to try them make sure you pick up a bottle!  My hair is incredibly soft and tangle free - result!!

Shopping haul

My sisters and I decided to take a trip out to Kildare to do a spot of shopping on Saturday.  My younger sister is home on leave from Oman where she works for an airline so we thought it would be nice to go out for the day.

Our first stop was the Newbridge Silver Factory which has a large store and museum.  I love Newbridge Silver!  Their jewellery is great as is all their silverware and Christmas decorations.

My younger sister bought a pair of earrings for her flat mate and a watch for her boyfriend along with a Christmas ornament for our mother.

I bought a Christmas ornament for my sister too as she only has silver decorations on her tree which always looks stunning.

The style icon museum is very cool which lots of great pieces including clothes worn by Princess Grace and Princess Diana.

Here's a dress worn by Audrey Hepburn

Look at my boot (trunk) - it's full!  ;-)

Brownie bake off

One of my favourite things in the world is brownies - you may have guessed by the amount of brownies you see on this blog!!

Anyhoo, today I decided to skip my Starbucks brownie and bake my own.

I melted chocolate and butter

Mixed eggs, sugar and water

I folded the two mixtures together and then folded in flour

After spreading the brownie mix into a baking tray I spread a little melted peanut butter on top (this was a variation on the recipe!)

Baked for 30 mins at a low heat they came out perfect - soft and gooey on the inside and chewy on the outside.  Yum!

Look who is all nicely groomed!

At short notice I was able to get booked in to Mutt Ugly to get groomed.  I got a 1pm appointment in the Charlemont Street of Mutt Ugly but was able to leave him in at 11.30am as I walked to yoga in Drury Street.

Here he is before

And nicely cleaned up and very tired after his day at the groomers

It's beginning to look a lot like....

The Christmas lights and decorations were put up the day after Hallowen in the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.

It really is beginning to feel like Christmas is coming!

Especially now that the Red Cups are here!!

Christmas blend - seasonal offerings from Starbucks 

Here are few more of the decorations (these ones are near the cinema)

Day trip

I'm on a course in Malahide today.  I chose not to drive.  To get to Malahide, I got a lift from Ciaran to the closest Dublin Bike Stand and collected a bike.  I then cycled to Pearce Station and waited for a train for 15 mins.  Once I got to Malahide (25 mins on train) I walked about 1 min to my destination.

On my way home, I will get the train back to Pearce and then cycle to yoga in Drury Street.

Pictured above is the "Dart" Train - Dublin Area Rapid Transport

At lunch I went to Starbucks - first day of the red cups!!