Summer is over - the Rose of Tralee has been crowned

Here in Ireland you know Summer is drawing to a close when the the Rose of Tralee crowns a winner.

Do you know about the Rose of Tralee?  It is a worldwide celebration of Irish heritage.  In Rose Centers all over the world, regional heats are held where a lady is chosen to represent the center in the final of the Rose of Tralee festival.  You can see more info here.  The Rose of Tralee Festival culminates with the televised final held in the "dome" in Tralee in August of every year.

The chosen winner is the entrant who is deemed to have the same qualities as in the Rose of Tralee....."she was lovely and fair as the rose of the Summer" - click here to hear the Rose of Tralee.

I watch the Rose of Tralee religiously every year.  It was something I grew up with and I really enjoy it.  The ladies who enter are fantastic ambassadors for Ireland and are confident, talented, accomplished, educated young women all destined to do well in their future endeavors.  The winning rose travels all over the world for functions and events along with doing charity work for their reigning year.

This year a very worthy winner was crowned.  The 2014 Rose of Tralee is Maria Walsh - the Philadelphia Rose.  The minute this lady spoke I knew she would win - normally you would have a few favourites but it would be hard to spot the outright winner.

The main sponsor of the event is Newbridge Silverware who created the stunning winners headpiece (and jewellery for all of the entrants), however other sponsors include The Loop, Kerrygold, Connect Ireland, Maldron Hotels and Failte Ireland.  A stand out piece of jewellery for me was the head piece worn by the North Carolina Rose Nancy - who was a right character - I nearly wanted her to win too!

You can watch the winner being announced here or an even better video of a rose being proposed to during last years event!

Buildings of Rathmines

Walking through Rathmines the other day I took a few pictures of some of the more interesting looking buildings.

The grey building on the left is an old Bank of Ireland building.  In the past few years it housed a Polonez Polish shop but seems to be vacant now.The building on the right is the old Stella Cinema.

Below is another former bank.  The building on the right was originally built as the Belfast Bank in about 1899.  I like the traditional front of David Nolan Butchers to the left.

The Colour Copy Centre in the Swan Centre has closed down after being in business for a long time - years and years.

Dental haul - Orabrush & iWhite

I went to Boots chemist today to buy a nail file and nail buffer and ended up leaving with this.

iWhite whitening toothpaste and mouthwash was on sale at 50% off.  It promises to instantly brighten your teeth - that is a big promise!!  On their website it says that your teeth can get 8 shades brighter in just 20 minutes.  Pretty impressive if it does but the cynic in me is doubtful!

I also got a tongue brusher/scraper that has an "As seen on Youtube" brand on it.  I went for a search on Youtube and found this informative(!) video.

It seems that for a limited time you can also get a free Orabrush tongue cleaner HERE.

You can also read about Dr Bob Wagstaff and how he got the Orabrush to market here.

Dinner disasters

Each time I have a dinner disaster I am reminded why we eat out so much!

Last night Ciaran texted to say he was at the club playing squash.  I asked him was he going to eat there or at home.  He said he would eat at home so I set about making dinner.

I had a box meal to make Nasi Goreng all that had to be added was vegetables and chicken.  When I opened the wrapping for the chicken I thought there was a bit of a funky smell but I cooked it anyway.  

When Ciaran came home I served up the rice meal but at the first bite I thought the chicken tasted a bit odd.  We didn't risk it - I threw the dinner out and we ate pistachio nuts instead.  

Best not to risk bad chicken but also best that I don't do any more cooking for awhile too!!

I'm off work today as I am working Saturday instead.  I got up early and paid bills, did chores and can go for a walk with the dog as soon as the dishwasher repair man leaves.  

Let Funday Friday begin!

RIP Robin Williams

One of my all time favourite films is "Good Will Hunting".  I watch it regularly and although I gave most of my DVDs to the library as donations this is one DVD that I will never get rid of.

It was with great sadness that I heard of the death of Robin Williams when I woke and checked facebook this morning. 

I will watch Good Will Hunting over the weekend in his memory,

Stepping in to Starbucks - Dog in the city!

I haven't been to Starbucks in ages since I moved job and also since I got my Nespresso Coffee maker.

This morning I took a jaunt in to the city with Ciaran.  He had to view a building and while he did that I went to Starbucks for a cappuccino.

Bones was so funny.  At first he was happy to sit outside but then he got a glimpse of me through the window and decided he wanted to come in and sit with me.  He would take a few steps then sit down.  I would put him back out and as soon as I sat back down he would start walking in again.  Eventually I just had to leave him and he stayed put half in the front door!

He is thinking that this spot suits him fine!  

He got lots of attention with lots of customers petting him as they went in and out.  So cute!

So Bones has a new ride - check his dog trailer out!

We were given this awesome bike trailer by friends whose dog had outgrown it.  All we need for the trailer is a hitch to attach it to my bike, which I have ordered on the Internet.  In the meanwhile I attached the trailer with cable ties to my bike.

We cycled down Waterloo Lane and on to Baggot street.  We even passed the Israel embassy (or possibly the ambassador's residence) where we saw a large protest against the attacks on Palestine and calling for the expulsion of the Israel Ambassador out of Ireland.

We also cycled past this great building  in Ballsbridge.  It currently is an Audi Service Centre but in the past housed Texaco Oil.  It is very retro looking and very cool!

We ended our cycle in the Schoolhouse where we got stuck while we waited for the rain to stop.